Lance Purcell, 60, is eligible for release from commitment to a
state hospital every two years.
HOLLISTER
The district attorney’s bid to recommit the only convicted violent sexual predator in San Benito County to a state hospital indefinitely was delayed Monday because of confusion over subpoenas, the man’s attorney said.
Lance Purcell, 60, is eligible for release from commitment to a state hospital every two years. In 1994, Purcell was convicted for attempting to kidnap a 5-year-old girl from in front of her Sunnyslope Road home. He was due to be released last month.
On Monday, Purcell’s attorney, George Barton, met with District Attorney Candice Hooper and a judge in anticipation of hearing the testimony of two state experts to help determine whether the man should be released or recommitted.
But the two psychologists had not been ordered to appear in court to testify, Barton said.
The attorneys disagreed about who is responsible for the subpoena of the witnesses. Barton said the judge told him he must subpoena the psychologists.
Purcell’s case will be back in court Feb. 14 and Feb. 21, as the two psychologists are scheduled to testify whether treatment has made the man safe for release.
Barton has contended Purcell is no longer a danger to society.
