Jackson County District Attorney’s Office Commits Assault Suspect to State Hospital

Medford, Oregon- The Jackson County District Attorney’s Office has announced the commitment of Mathew Todd to the Oregon State Hospital as an Extremely Dangerous Person pursuant to ORS 426.701. The commitment, slated for a period of two years, places Mr. Todd under the jurisdiction of the Psychiatric Security Review Board.

Mr. Todd’s journey into the state mental health system traces back to September 29, 2022, when he was indicted on multiple charges, including Assault in the Second Degree, Assault in the Fourth Degree Felony, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing, Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree, and Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree.

These charges stemmed from an incident on September 27, 2022, during which Mr. Todd engaged in an altercation with Anthony Williams, inflicting severe injury by hurling multiple metal chairs at Mr. Williams’ leg after menacing Ramona Williams.

Under ORS 161.367, which mandates defendants to comprehend court proceedings, Mr. Todd was found unfit to aid and assist in his criminal case. Subsequently, the District Attorney’s Office filed a petition to initiate commitment proceedings under ORS 426.701. The commitment hearing saw testimonies from various witnesses, including Anthony Williams, Ramona Williams, Ashland Police Officers Riley Gomes and Mike Bates, Dr. Mike Wojtkowicz, and Mental Health Examiner Ben Bryan.

The court’s determination highlighted Mr. Todd’s status as an extremely dangerous individual with a qualifying mental disorder, posing a serious threat to public safety. Consequently, the decision to commit him to the Oregon State Hospital was made, placing him under the oversight of the Psychiatric Review Board as a dangerous offender.

During his stay at the Oregon State Hospital, Mr. Todd will receive regular access to appropriate medication and supervision.

Looking ahead, after the two-year commitment period, the state reserves the option to either pursue another commitment hearing or reissue the underlying criminal charges, provided Mr. Todd has regained fitness to proceed and the statute of limitations has not expired.