GOLDEN, Colo. -- The man who shot two students at Deer Creek Middle School, on February 23, 2010, is asking for "unsupervised visits," off the grounds of the Colorado Mental Health Institute in Pueblo.
Bruco Eastwood, 40, was found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity.
His doctors in Pueblo say he should be granted unsupervised visits with a peer. They say it will help him in his recovery efforts.
Dr. Robin McCann, a clinical psychologist, told the court that Eastwood has already been granted group supervised visits, and there has not been one allegation of alcohol or marijuana use, no escape attempt nor any abuse of privileges during that time.
The ultimate goal she said, is for Eastwood to move back into the community and get a part time job.
Voices
But prosecutors noted that Eastwood has experienced hallucinations, involving voices telling him to act a certain way, or to do certain things.
McCann said Eastwood doesn't act on those hallucinations because he "knows they are just symptoms."
When asked what triggers them, she replied, "stress."
Columbine Book
Prosecutors also asked about a book on Columbine that was found in Eastwood's room.
Dr. McCann said Eastwoods mom gave it to him "because she wanted him to compare himself to the Columbine shooters, so he could see he was different."
Victim opposes request
One of the victims of the Deer Creek school shooting told Denver7 that he has no desire to see Eastwood out in the community.
Mathew Thieu called the revelation about Eastwood's hallucinations, worrisome.
"It's a major concern," he said. You know, three years ago, pretty much to the day, he had no more hallucinations, and now, coming up to the next step, his hallucinations are back. It's going to be a constant cycle and it's going to be never ending."
Thieu told Denver 7 that Eastwood shouldn't be able to enjoy more freedom in the community. He said the shooting is still affecting him and his former classmates.
"I literally have to look over my shoulder everywhere I go," he said. "I don't eat out without facing the door. It's just little things that impact my day. I have to consciously be aware of everyone in the room.
Judge Laura Tighe reminded those who attended the hearing that she's not being asked to set Eastwood free, she just being asked to grant him permission for short unsupervised visits off campus, for his own benefit.
She said she would endeavor to make a decision as soon as possible.
