Recent events in Greenfield have sparked concern among community leaders and residents after Amando Lang, a 24-year-old man previously charged with first-degree intentional homicide, was released into the community with little to no notification to local authorities or the public. Lang, who was charged in the 2019 fatal stabbing of Ben Christianson in what was deemed an unprovoked attack, was found incompetent to stand trial. However, on June 15, Greenfield police responded to a residence where Lang was experiencing hallucinations, possibly due to his medication, according to Journal Sentinel.
In an interview with WISN 12 News, Greenfield Assistant Police Chief Eric Lindstrom expressed deep concern, stating, "This is a rare but deeply serious matter that demands our full attention." His sentiment reflects the broader shock of a Judicial system that seemed to not fully communicate or adequately prepare the community for the release of an individual once charged with such a serious crime. "Mr. Lang has already shown a disturbing willingness to commit an unprovoked act of extreme violence," Lindstrom told WISN 12 News.
The oversight has led to vocal criticism from Wisconsin State Representative Bob Donovan, who, according to CBS 58, called the situation "unbelievable" and stated that "He’s been allowed to apparently roam the streets at will, little or no restrictions." Donovan pointed out the necessity for legislative action to prevent such incidents from reoccurring: "If there’s anything that needs to be done, if we need to light a fire under a particular state agency, I am more than willing to do that to ensure that this never happens again."
Greenfield Mayor Michael Neitzke, characterized by a deep concern for public safety, has been pursuing the issue alongside Milwaukee District Attorney Kent Lovern, seeking necessary state action to address and prevent future gaps in the system. Neitzke recounted the traumatic event from 2019 and how unsettling it was to witness the immediate aftermath. "The system has failed us when someone with seemingly serious mental health issues — accused of brutally murdering an innocent person five years ago — is the subject of a police call in our community, blocks away from where the killing occurred," Neitzke told the Journal Sentinel. With a new competency hearing set for Monday, June 23, officials hope to either move forward with criminal charges or reassess the conditions of Lang's release should he once again be found incompetent.
