NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: A man accused of murdering his mother and concealing her body in a box may potentially be released due to a mishandling of evidence.
David Drummond, 30, is currently being held at Bellevue Hospital in New York City, having been transferred from the custody of the city Department of Correction earlier this month.
A judge mandated a mental health evaluation for him, and now it appears that he might be released if the experts clear him following the assessment.
Authorities apparently 'didn't have enough to indict him'
"The assistant district attorney stated that there was insufficient evidence for an indictment. He is essentially going to re-enter the community upon release," expressed the source, highlighting Drummond's extensive psychiatric history.
The Bellevue employee further added, as reported by the New York Post, "We have no ideal solution. He cannot remain in the hospital indefinitely, but releasing him into the community is not deemed safe."
When was the victim's body found?
Drummond stands accused of killing his mother, Shirley Awer, aged 67. Awer's lifeless body was discovered in an East Flatbush apartment, shared by the mother and son.
Owing to the advanced state of decomposition, the autopsy has yet to reveal the precise cause of Awer's death.
Drummond reportedly informed investigators that he struck his mother. However, another source familiar with the case suggested, "There's a possibility she died of natural causes."
The source emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the cause of death, stating, "The cause of death is unclear. Without an autopsy, they can't confirm his statement that he hit her. It's not typical for an autopsy to take this long, but the body was decomposed, so it's taking longer."
The completion date for the autopsy remains uncertain at this time.
What did the Brooklyn District Attorney say?
The Brooklyn District Attorney's Office has stated that the case has not been presented to a grand jury by prosecutors due to the absence of an autopsy report.
On November 9, a judge ordered Drummond to be relocated from Bellevue, and he is currently held there in a civilian unit.
The Bellevue worker emphasized, "We cannot detain individuals with potential danger indefinitely. Mental hygiene law is stringent, and involuntary commitment requires a high standard. The person must pose an immediate danger to warrant continued hospitalization, not just a potential threat."
Drummond is slated to make his next court appearance on February 22 of the upcoming year.
