BRIEF: Longmont police chief: Community needs to be more involved in addressing mental illness

March 20--Longmont Public Safety Chief Mike Butler said at a press conference this afternoon that he wants to see more community involvement in addressing the issue of mental illness.

Longmont has been the scene of two violent incidents this week.

On Tuesday, Omar Martinez stabbed to death his father then stabbed his mother, Gloria Martinez, several times before killing himself.

On Wednesday, Dynel Lane allegedly attacked Michelle Wilkins -- who was seven months pregnant -- stabbing her and removing her baby.

Butler declined to answer specific questions about the cases, but said both appear to involve mental illness.

He said the police expend a large amount of resources dealing with mentally ill people and respond to situations involving such people every day, most of which never make the news.

Butler said he wants to see people struggling with mental illness recognized for their contributions to the community and not tucked away in the shadows and marginalized.

He said he is in talks with various people in the community -- including mental health professionals -- to help people suffering from mental illness in a more comprehensive way that won't necessarily increase spending.

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