Anthony Mehlhaff, vocalist for punk-metal band Cancer Christ, has formally pleaded not responsible to a collection of felony expenses associated to a disturbing and violent spree that allegedly unfolded near Yosemite National Park on August 21, 2024. Mehlhaff has remained in custody since his arrest, and new particulars surrounding his authorized case, psychological well being, and substance use have continued to emerge.
Based on prior studies, Mehlhaff‘s alleged habits started earlier that day at a restaurant in Buck Meadows, Mariposa County. He’s accused of constructing alarming statements to a pregnant waitress, together with: “The spirits led me to you and your child belongs to me.”
He allegedly informed her he can be “ready” for her throughout her break. The state of affairs reportedly escalated when Mehlhaff is alleged to have stolen drinks and assaulted a restaurant worker earlier than leaving the scene. Authorities declare Mehlhaff then traveled towards Yosemite Nationwide Park, the place the state of affairs intensified dramatically. He’s accused of:
- Stealing a bicycle
- Threatening lodge workers with a knife
- Stripping right down to his underwear
- Making an attempt to kidnap a retailer supervisor
- Stealing the supervisor’s automobile
- Ramming one other automobile
- Crashing whereas fleeing from legislation enforcement
Following the crash, Mehlhaff was taken into custody however allegedly assaulted sheriff’s deputies whereas being evaluated at a neighborhood hospital.
Based on a brand new report from the Mariposa Gazette, an amended grievance filed on November 10, 2024, now has Mehlhaff going through ten felony counts, together with kidnapping, theft, theft, vandalism, and assault with a lethal weapon. 4 extra expenses — together with battery of a police officer — had been diminished to misdemeanors.
The Mariposa Gazette additionally studies that Mehlhaff has dismissed not less than three public defenders, whereas two others declined to characterize him. The identical report signifies that Mehlhaff‘s obvious psychological well being disaster started weeks earlier. In late July 2024, he was reportedly positioned below an involuntary psychiatric maintain.
In early August, Mehlhaff allegedly barricaded himself inside a hospital room, inflicting roughly $5,000 in harm by breaking home windows, tearing down ceiling tiles, and flooding the room. He was arrested on expenses together with vandalism and legal threats, however hospital employees later declined to press expenses and he was launched.
The Mariposa Gazette spoke with Mehlhaff‘s ex-wife, with whom he shares a 13-year-old daughter. She acknowledged that Mehlhaff had lived a sober life-style for years, citing household historical past of psychological sickness, however claimed that modified in 2023.
Based on her account, Mehlhaff started abusing psilocybin (“magic mushrooms”) and closely consuming THC edibles and drinks, coinciding with the breakdown of their relationship and eventual separation. A bandmate in Most cancers Christ reportedly corroborated this account, describing Mehlhaff‘s habits as manic and out of character, allegedly linked to sudden substance abuse.
Two forensic psychiatrists have since evaluated Mehlhaff and reportedly identified him with:
- Bipolar dysfunction
- Advanced trauma
- Hashish use dysfunction
- Hallucinogen use dysfunction
His mom reportedly suffered from paranoid schizophrenia, and Mehlhaff is alleged to have skilled a troublesome childhood. A psychiatric evaluation concluded that the August rampage was doubtless triggered by substance abuse involving psilocybin and THC. Regardless of this, Mehlhaff has reportedly refused anti-psychotic remedy whereas in custody.
Mehlhaff‘s present authorized staff plans to hunt a psychological well being diversion, which might enable him to keep away from prosecution if he agrees to 2 years of therapy and remedy. Nevertheless, the Mariposa County District Legal professional has acknowledged they intend to oppose the movement.
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