There are two important factors to take into consideration with this case. The first is that during the trial, Greg and Jason’s mother took the stand and explained that according to here, there are only victims in the case. She felt that the family does not need to forgive Jason as they do not accuse him of any wrong doing. The forensic psychologists who have evaluated Jason have determined he had a psychosis, which was partially drug-induced, partially due to his state of mind at the time.

Prosecutors have had a long internal discussion about the case. An important factor in the case was that the family did not outcast Jason, but rather embraced him during this difficult time. The chances of recidivism are judged as extremely small by the psychologists who evaluated him. According to the family, Jason was in a very bad state of mind during the period before his psychosis, and because this had never happened before to him, neither he not his family realised the extend of these problems. Now that they are aware of the dangers, they can seek help before it gets out of hand again.

Family and friends of both Jason and Greg were euphoric when the judge said that Jason was free to go home while awaiting the final verdict. Jason himself reacted rather timid. Their dad said that he was happy for Jason, but that he is still very proud of what Greg has achieved and will try to keep honoring his name.

Notably, the prosecutors are joining in this. Prosecutors don’t usually do that, and when we do we usually consult the victim’s family to explain it, and get them on board with it if possible. Given that both the victim and the defendant are members of that family, this was probably pretty easy. Also, when prosecutors join with the defense on something like this, it is because something is set up — like entry into a long-term treatment program, with long-term monitoring.

There are no restrictions on his release. He said he will seek psychiatric help voluntarily and will be monitored by a parole board.
This is not a normal outcome for insanity cases over here, normally there would be years of mandatory psychiatric help in a closed facility. The very special and tragic circumstances in this case led to this special outcome.

His family and friends (also family and friends of Greg of course) were relieved by the outcome. No winners in this tragic case, even though it seems like he got of easy.