Marysville Psychiatrist Believes Former L.A. Officer Not 'Psychotic'
MARYSVILLE (CBS13) - Before the murders, the former Los Angeles police officer suspected of killing a Riverside police officer wrote a manifesto declaring war on the Los Angeles Police Department.
Anytime someone goes on a rampage like Christopher Dorner appears to be on, people assume the person is crazy. However, one Marysville psychiatrist says that may not be the case.
"This may be difficult, but right now I think he's not psychotic," psychiatrist Dr. Craig Smith said.
READ: Christopher Dorner's Manifesto
Smith, who specializes in mental health, says the former LAPD officer's manifesto makes Dorner appear to be intelligent, and aware of right and wrong. But, it doesn't mean there are no issues.
"There is, what we call a narcotic wound, people who feel unjustly hurt or wronged," said Smith.
The psychiatrist thinks Dorner is hurt and upset no one would take his claims of injustices inside the LAPD seriously.
In the manifesto, Dorner writes, "You have awoken a sleeping giant. I am here to change and make policy. I am here to correct and calibrate your morale compasses to true north."
"He's been feeling bullied since he was young, and now, he's at his last straw and that's not working either," said Smith.
The rage includes gunning down innocent people, but Smith argues the killing may not be fueling Dorner's hate.
"Unfortunately, this is a necessary evil that I do not enjoy, but must partake and complete for substantial change to occur within the LAPD and reclaim my name," Dorner wrote.
"I don't think he's getting a high off of hurting people. I think right now he is angry. There is probably some sever depression that's going on, and he just wants what he thinks is justice," said Smith.
Smith says, to bring peace, police may want to cave into some of Dorner's demands.
"If we can say, 'we are going to work with you. We know that there is some complaints you've had that haven't been thoroughly investigated, we want to start working with you now if you stop the killings,' " he said.
However, Smith does warn that giving in like this could encourage others to use violence to get what they want.
