Sexually Violent Predator Testifies For Freedom
Sexually Violent Predator Testifies For Freedom Badger Wants To Be Released Into Community POSTED: 6:39 am PST December 16, 2005 UPDATED: 5:21 pm PST December 16, 2005 SAN DIEGO -- A sexually violent predator seeking his release from a state mental hospital testified Friday in a San Diego Superior courtroom. Douglas Badger, 63, has a 20-year history of sexually assaulting male hitchhikers at gunpoint. He has petitioned the court to grant his release into San Diego County after eight years of treatment at a state hospital. "My anger led me to do things. I had a mental illness and schizophrenia. I learned about these various illnesses that were affecting my life," Badger said. He also described to the court how he would choose his victims. "When I picked up hitchhikers, I had developed a ritual that I went through -- that developed into a serial behavior. In 1964 through 1974, I picked up about 450 to 500 people and I asked them if they wanted to have sex for money. If they did, I would take them, the hitchhikers, into gas stations," Badger said. After the civil trial, Judge David Gill will decide if Badger should be placed into the community on an outpatient basis with strict supervision. Badger, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and sexual sadism, served his criminal sentences before being sent to Atascadero. Badger was set to be released in July, but a different judge rescinded the order when it was revealed that one of Badger's psychologists had an affair with another sexually violent predator 10 News

"My anger led me to do things. I had a mental illness and schizophrenia. I learned about these various illnesses that were affecting my life," Badger said. Had?! According to my personal knowledge, mental illness such as schizophrenia is for life. Meds may stabalize it, but it is always there, I certainly hope the ruling judge in this matter realizes that. I would hate to see what would happen if the judge let this guy go and he didn't take his meds.

You've got to be kidding me. Over 20 years of this history and he thinks he can go back into society? There is not enough time to monitor him even being on a strict supervision. I hope they continue to keep him where he is and not back into society. His other illness along with this is not a good mix and clearly is a threat to society.