The hospital that released Senator Deeds’ son a day before he stabbed his dad and then shot himself, wants to help change mental health laws in Virginia.
The executive director of Rockbridge Area Community Services released a statement Wednesday saying they’re looking forward to working with the senator to improve Virginia’s mental health care.
In the release, RACS Executive Director David Cropper wrote:
“The hearts of all staff at Rockbridge Area Community Services go out to the Deeds family at this most difficult time. We will continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
I know firsthand the dedicated, caring, and professional manner in which the staff at RACS goes about performing their jobs day in and day out while serving individuals in need of mental health services in our community.
We look forward to working with Senator Deeds and the General Assembly as we seek to improve the delivery of mental health services throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
Senator Deeds was found stabbed in the face and chest after a fight with his 24-year-old son, according to police. And investigators say when they got there, they found Gus Deeds dead from a self-inflicted gunshot.
Deeds says the Rockbridge facility is responsible for his son’s death because they couldn’t find a bed for him.
Officials say Gus Deeds had a psychiatric evaluation the day before and a judge issued an Emergency Custody Order to allow mental health officials to hold him. But, there wasn’t room at Rockbridge.
Since Senator Deeds has been released, he’s told newspapers he will make it his life’s work to make sure other families do not have to go through what he is living.
Deeds is expected to return to the state senate in January.
