Judge Denies Release For OKC Doctor Who Killed 9-Year-Old Son

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A judge has ruled an Oklahoma City doctor found not guilty by reason of insanity in the murder of his son is too much of a danger to the public to be released from a mental institution.

Judge Donald Deason issued his decision Tuesday after a hearing in an Oklahoma County District courtroom. He determined Dr. Stephen Wolf is still a danger to the public peace or safety because he's suffering from mental illness.

Wolf stabbed his 9-year-old son, Tommy, to death in November 2009. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity and confined to the Oklahoma Forensic Center in Vinita. The center's director of psychology recommended in July that Wolf be given a conditional release.

7/24/11 Related Story: Psychiatrist Recommends OKC Doctor Be Released

The recommendation shocked many people, including the doctor's wife, Mary Wolf. The doctor also attacked her the night he killed the couple's son. She's now filing for divorce. Mary Wolf wrote a letter to the judge, asking him to keep her estranged husband in the mental facility. She says he's offered her no support since the killing, and is mainly concerned with himself.

7/26/11 Related Story: Wife Of OKC Doctor Who Killed Son Pleads To Keep Him Locked Up

Judge Deason says he read the original report from the psychologist that recommended Wolf's release. He says he also read two more reports from mental health experts. One did not offer a recommendation on Wolf's release, and the other determined he was too mentally ill to leave the facility.

Judge Deason says he wanted to treat Wolf fairly, but he never thought releasing him would be appropriate. The judge says Wolf requires more treatment and should remain in the custody of Oklahoma's Department of Mental Health.