Photos for one of the more controversial and intense stories I've contributed to for @5280magazine. Pleading not guilty by reason of Insanity. David Hoffschneider, 34, a recovering heroin addict was hallucinating the cartel was after him. A reaction to a mixture of a dozen prescribed medications sickened his mind. Hoffschneider developed ICU delirium; a state of fear, panic, and hyperactivity. He loaded two guns and fired through the wall. Spray bullets struck two neighbors. Fortunately, they survived. A seven-hour police standoff ensued and ended with Hoffschneider on his back in the kitchen, tasered and in handcuffs. He was committed to the state psychiatric hospital. Court-ordered competency and insanity evaluations led him to believe he would be released in one year. Instead, the under-staffed insane asylum and arbitrary policies held him for three years. "I don’t feel like I won...I might be out of the hospital setting, but I’m still under conditions that are holding me back from living my life”. Staff attorney Meghan Baker works to instigate changes at the hospital both around competency and insanity. We “lean toward over-hospitalizing,” she argues. Baker has artwork she's received from her clients hanging on her office wall. Thoughtful and fair words by @daliah16. Thanks for trusting me with the assignment @charliornett