Police: Nephew called 911 after beating couple with bat

I am JOel Fowler's Sister. I know that this was a horrible crime. I have been staying in the home with the victim's son this week, waiting for their arrival home. It has not been easy for our family. IT tears me up to see my brother called pathetic, although I know that he is in a pathetic state. I do know that he is sick. He has been diagnosed with mental illness several time. He has also attacked other members of our family multiple times, The police have done nothing. WE have had no way to get him help. WE have tried everything we can to get him help, and we have been denied. We knew the only way he would get help was for him to end up in jail. WE are beside ourselves that it has come to this. Until the laws change concerning the treatment of mental illness in adults, people will still be in danger of mentally ill lunatics going on shooting rampages and committing other violent acts. He should have been in a mental hospital a long time ago. I am sorry for what has been done, but happy that my brother will have the help her needs.

Honey, you are so right! I'm your cousin & agree with all you are saying here!

KGRAN wrote:

I am JOel Fowler's Sister. I know that this was a horrible crime. I have been staying in the home with the victim's son this week, waiting for their arrival home. It has not been easy for our family. IT tears me up to see my brother called pathetic, although I know that he is in a pathetic state. I do know that he is sick. He has been diagnosed with mental illness several time. He has also attacked other members of our family multiple times, The police have done nothing. WE have had no way to get him help. WE have tried everything we can to get him help, and we have been denied. We knew the only way he would get help was for him to end up in jail. WE are beside ourselves that it has come to this. Until the laws change concerning the treatment of mental illness in adults, people will still be in danger of mentally ill lunatics going on shooting rampages and committing other violent acts. He should have been in a mental hospital a long time ago. I am sorry for what has been done, but happy that my brother will have the help her needs.

Hi. I'm not sure which sister wrote this - but regardless. I don't know if you remember me, but Joel and I used to be great friends.(This is Dana) First of all I just want to say that I am SO, SO sorry for what your family is going through. You are absolutely right about the current laws concerning the mentally ill. It is extremely unfortunate that something so horrible had to happen before someone will give him the help he needs. I witnessed his deteriorating mental state, and unfortunately he ceased contact with me a long time ago. He had stopped returning my calls/ contacting me about 6-7 years ago - I saw him about 4 years ago in Dunkirk, and asked him why he no longer spoke to anyone, and he said he was "tired of being mind raped". That was the last time I spoke to him. There were many signs before this as to his need for treatment for his mental illness. I wish there was something I could have done to help him. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family - and to Joel. I sincerely hope he gets the help that he so desperately needs. If there is anything I can do, you can find me on facebook. Again, I am praying for you all.