I am of the opinion that this kidnapping was planned by ZA. He knew what time she left for work, the surrounding area, means of escape, and how to incapacitate Holly . This was not done after a night of Meth use. I cannot believe someone whacked out on Meth would have control of thought to pull this off as a kidnapping. If he was on meth wouldn't he just go ballistic when he happened across Holly and do more damage to her right there in the driveway.
So it seems to me even if the defense wants to use the "I was high on meth, therefore not responsible" I do not think that will help. Too much forethought went in to planning this, therefore it points to "Intent" ..a plan, not just a momentary lapse into insanity......IMO
.....and as far as LE being responsible in some way for allowing ZA to roam the streets. I think this is just the way the system is, and there are always going to be slips through the cracks of people like this, unfortunately these slip ups are why there are so many crimes. It sucks!!!
People on Meth can have "tunnel vision" when they embark on a specific task, to the point of obsession. Unless they are predisposed to psychosis, they will carry out what ever catches their fancy to the most minute detail.
Examples:
Meth head decides to clean the kitchen floor......becomes an all day task to the point of using a toothbrush to clean the corners and next to the floor boards.
Tweaker decides to tear down their motorcycle engine.......give them 12 hours and it's nothing but nuts, bolts, gaskets, and the few pieces that can't be stripped down any further.
A crank fiend notices a black head on their face, spends 4 hours at the bathroom mirror "popping" pores they "think" are black heads. (notice the sores on almost all tweakers' faces?)
Throw in a criminal endeavor and they'll have it planned for every conceivable disruption. There's always Plan B, C, D, etc. Part of that has to do with a touch of drug induced paranoia.
ZA carefully planned this abduction, knew exactly every how, where, when, and had the experience of his first attempt with Sullivan to bolster his 2nd attempt with HB. Camo clothes? Being there when HB was ready to leave? Little noise? Straight shot out to the woods? Leaving a trail of discarded items from HB? 3 years investigating before search and arrest warrants, oh yah, this was planned. Meth would have made the whole situation that much more horrifying and deliberate for any victim. The question is: Why? Did ZA see HB as a possible threat, or conquest to >insert whatever<? Or was she just someone who "fit" his plan?
Meth/crank/speed has been used for decades by people in various trades of construction, heavy equipment operators, repetitive tasks (ie. circuit board manufacturing) and agriculture. It has also been used in the military "legally" under the guise of "go pills", since WW2. Being so common place, legal or otherwise, you'd expect a lot of "issues" in that population of users.
Meth as an excuse? Unless ZA has a record of psychotic episodes, both during incarceration and on the outside in a mental health center, not gonna happen.
Someone who knew the specifics of this crime opened their mouth, otherwise, I don't think it would have ever been brought before a Judge.:twocents: