Putting Mentally Ill Man in Prison Is Wrong
Re “Making a Nonviolent Act a Third Strike Is Just Plain Crazy,” Nov. 10:
I too am a member of Families to Amend California Three-Strikes. I have read the reports compiled by Philip Zullo’s mental health professionals. One would not question his mental illness. Zullo would potentially serve 35 years of the 90-year sentence before his death. The basic cost of his incarceration to taxpayers is $875,000 in today’s money.
This amount does not include medical or mental health care.
If Zullo is found guilty, California will pay for his mental health care. He is not likely to hurt anyone, so I say let Fred and Theresa Zullo continue providing for their son’s mental health. Neither California taxpayers nor the Zullo family would benefit by incarcerating Philip Zullo under the three-strikes law.
Vivian Moen
Fountain Valley
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