A Madison teenager is waiting to be committed to the state hospital after he pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murdering his mother.
On the eve of his 18th birthday, Keith Dobens pleaded not guilty of second-degree murder by reason of insanity. His mother, Melissa Hatch, 42, was found dead in their home Feb. 15 after she called 911.
"The dispatcher heard Melissa repeatedly say, 'Put the knife down, Keith. Put it down. Don't do it, Keith. Why are you doing this?'" Assistant Attorney General Ben Agati said.
Prosecutor said Dobens had gone off his medications for severe mental health issues months before the killing and had been acting strangely. He sought psychiatric help days earlier, but the provider didn't diagnose a problem, officials said.
In court, a psychiatrist said Dobens' mental health issues continue to make him a risk.
Dobens, now under a doctor's care, asked for forgiveness.
"I'm truly sorry for what has happened, not because of the consequences, but because I lost my mother," he said. "She was a great woman who deserved so much more than she was given. I miss her so much that it hurts me to the core."
"I am accepting this plea, and you will be committed on your birthday -- you're turning 18 tomorrow -- to the secure psychiatric unit for a period of five years," Judge Amy Ignatius said.
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