By Guy Page
Following published reports about mental illness reportedly suffered by Jason Eaton, the man charged with shooting three Palestinian men Saturday evening in Burlington, VDC has been trying to determine – so far, without success – whether State’s Attorney Sarah George has ordered a psychological evaluation for him.
Eaton pleaded innocent yesterday to three charges of attempted second-degree murder. Police say the three men were walking along North Prospect Street when Eaton stumbled down the steps of 69 North Prospect St. and, without speaking, opened fire. All three young Palestinian men were shot and injured by Eaton, police say. One faces damage to his spine and a long-term recovery.
He was arrested Sunday afternoon after federal ATF police, seeking information from neighbors, knocked on his door on Prospect Street. He answered the door, said “I’ve been waiting for you,” and repeatedly requested a lawyer – all without displaying much affect, police chief Jon Murad said at a press conference held yesterday.
People charged with violent crimes are often given a psychiatric evaluation to determine whether they are fit to stand trial. VDC inquired to George’s office this morning. The only phone number publicly listed for the Chittenden County State’s Attorney goes to a recorded message saying that messages are checked once a day. An email provided on the phone message came back as “blocked.” Both the governor’s office and the state office of state’s attorneys and sheriffs say the information should come from George’s office.
Why did he do it?
Eaton’s silence on the subject of motivation, both before and after the shooting, have at least temporarily left investigators searching for a motive.
What is clear, however, is that George has not yet officially declared a hate crime. She said so at a press conference held at noon yesterday, almost a day after Eaton’s Sunday afternoon arrest. “And although we do not yet have evidence to support that this was a hate crime enhancement, I want to be clear that there is no question that this was a hateful act.” George said (40:45 on YouTube video).
Meanwhile, a Daily Beast interview with Eaton’s mother said Eaton has struggled with depression and other mental health issues.
“Jason has had a lot of struggles in his life but he is such a kind and loving person,” Mary Reed reportedly said. “I am just shocked by the whole thing.”
Mary Reed said Eaton was “in such a good mood” at a family Thanksgiving gathering. “It was the best Thanksgiving we had in years.” Eaton has had a hard time holding down steady jobs, she said. Acquintances in the Burlington area say he most recently worked at a bank in Williston.
A review of Eaton’s LinkedIn page and personal website appear to corroborate Reed’s claim of both her son’s inability to hold a steady job, and a sense of Eaton’s mental instability – if not outright mental illness.
Religion?
Given the heightened religious tensions surrounding the Hamas invasion of Israel and Israel’s response, it was not unexpected that the second question asked in yesterday’s press conference was about Eaton’s religion. City officials said they have no information about his religious affiliations.
However, a quick perusal of his Linked In page shows that he identifies as a Unitarian-Universalist. Also, Reed reportedly told The Daily Beast that he reads the Bible and is a Christian. At least one Burlington-area Christian said he has had friendly faith-based conversations with Eaton.
Meanwhile, Gov. Scott today publicly assured the Islamic community in Vermont that “we stand behind them,” he said at a press conference today.
A pro-Palestinian vigil is scheduled to be held tonight in front of the Burlington school district offices. Also, UVM today held a forum addressing campus and community safety open to all students, faculty, and staff.
Scott today called for people to be “more civil, more understanding….to create a more sensible civilization…..I think the state’s attorney, Sarah George, said it right – whether it was a hate crime, it’s a hateful act.”
Regarding a psychiatric evaluation – “I think that’s a strategy that the prosecutor and defense lawyer will work out among themselves,” Scott said.