Psychiatrist Recommends OKC Doctor Be Released

Jon Jordan, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY – An Oklahoma City doctor admitted to a psychiatric hospital after killing his son could be a free man in the next few weeks.

Dr. Stephen Wolf was found not guilty by reason of insanity to stabbing his 9-year-old son to death in 2009 after he believed his son "had the devil in him."

Since that verdict, Wolf has been receiving treatment at the Oklahoma Forensic Center in Vinita. A recently-released report now shows the center's top psychologist recommended Wolf be conditionally freed under the supervision of a physician.

Even with medical supervision, one experienced psychologist said the chances of such a violent offender skipping his medication are much too high.

"The chances are much greater once he is out on his own that he won't stay compliant with his medication," said Dr. Stewart Beasley an Edmond psychologist. "I would be a little fearful of doing that and I would go along with those people who think it's too soon. I think it is too soon."

Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater believes the possible release of Wolf is too soon as well. Prater said, "Dr. Wolf… continues to be an extreme danger to the public."

While Beasley said he's surprised Wolf could be out soon, he's not surprised to see him doing better. It has been his experience, he said, that when patients who are considered to be psychotic are supervised and get the care they need, they tend to do better almost immediately in many cases.

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