Conn. Lawyer Committed for Shooting at Car

The Associated Press

July 16, 2008

A Stamford, Conn., attorney found not guilty of shooting at a motorist by reason of insanity has been committed to a state mental hospital for 20 years.

Forty-year-old Eric Witlin had been charged in May 2007 after he fired a shotgun twice at a motorist, then broke into the home of his ex-wife and entered with the gun while his 11-year-old son was in his bedroom.

Witlin was charged with attempted murder, burglary, assault and risk of injury to a child. He was found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect in May after a court hearing by Judge Richard Comerford.

The judge committed Witlin to The Whiting Forensic Institute, a division of the state-run Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown.

Investigators say Witlin poses a danger to himself and others.

Information from: The Advocate, http://www.stamfordadvocate.com