Christopher Scarver: Christopher Scarver’s name is synonymous with one of the most horrific incidents of violence in recent memory. His crimes sent shockwaves through the nation, leading to questions about his mental state, the justice system, and the nature of his actions. In this article, we will provide a summary of the crimes committed by Christopher Scarver and the court rulings that followed.
The Crimes
Christopher Scarver’s crime spree began on November 28, 1998, when he, along with fellow inmates, brutally murdered two of the most infamous criminals in the United States. Scarver was serving multiple life sentences for the murders of Steven Lohman and John P. Feyen. On that fateful day at the Columbia Correctional Institution in Portage, Wisconsin, he turned his rage towards two other inmates, the notorious Jeffrey Dahmer and Jesse Anderson.
Jeffrey Dahmer, known as the “Milwaukee Cannibal,” had been convicted of the gruesome murders and dismemberment of 17 young men and boys. Jesse Anderson was serving a life sentence for the murder of his wife and another man. Scarver, armed with a makeshift barbell, attacked Dahmer and Anderson, beating them to death.
Scarver later described his actions as a mission from God, claiming that he believed he was instructed by the divine to eliminate evil from the world. This brutal attack left many shocked and raised questions about the state of mental health care in the prison system.
The Court Rulings
Following his heinous actions, Christopher Scarver was charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide. Scarver’s trial shed light on his mental state at the time of the murders and his motivations. Ultimately, the court ruled as follows:
1.Insanity Defense Rejected:
Scarver’s defense attorney argued that he was not in control of his actions due to severe mental illness. However, the court rejected the insanity defense, stating that Scarver was aware of the wrongfulness of his actions when he committed the murders. This ruling highlighted the high bar for establishing an insanity defense in the legal system.
2.Conviction and Sentencing:
Scarver was found guilty of the two counts of first-degree intentional homicide. He was subsequently sentenced to two additional life terms without the possibility of parole, to be served consecutively with his existing life sentences for the earlier murders. This sentencing ensured that Scarver would never be released from prison.
3.Mental Health Assessment:
While the court rejected the insanity defense, it did order a mental health assessment for Scarver. This assessment aimed to evaluate his mental state and determine whether he required psychiatric treatment while incarcerated. The findings of the assessment could influence his conditions of confinement and the level of security in the prison.
4.Evaluation of Security Measures:
The court’s ruling also prompted a broader evaluation of security measures in the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. Scarver’s ability to fashion a weapon out of a barbell raised concerns about the safety of both inmates and prison staff. The prison system sought to tighten security measures and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Christopher Scarver’s crimes and the subsequent court rulings are a chilling chapter in the history of the criminal justice system. Scarver’s actions, driven by his belief in a divine mission, resulted in the brutal deaths of two high-profile inmates. The court’s rejection of the insanity defense and Scarver’s subsequent sentencing to two more life terms ensured that he would never be released back into society.
The case of Christopher Scarver serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of the legal system, the challenges in dealing with mentally ill inmates, and the need for constant vigilance in maintaining security within the prison system. It is a story that continues to haunt those who contemplate the blurred line between justice and retribution in the American criminal justice system.