Frontline Season 21 Episode 5 A Crime of Insanity

A Crime of Insanity is the fifth episode of the twenty-first season of Frontline, a documentary series that investigates and reports on current events and issues of societal concern. This episode specifically focuses on the mentally ill and the criminal justice system.

The episode delves into the story of one man, Johnathan Schmitz, who in 1995 killed his friend, Scott Amedure, after Amedure revealed he was romantically interested in Schmitz during a taping of The Jenny Jones Show. Schmitz was arrested, tried, and convicted of murder. However, the case is not as straightforward as it may seem. Schmitz had a history of mental illness and was taking medication at the time of the murder. This raises questions about the fairness of the trial and whether justice was truly served.

The documentary explores the broader issue of how the criminal justice system deals with mentally ill offenders. It looks at the case of Eric Clark, a schizophrenic man who committed three armed robberies and was then sentenced to 1,052 years in prison. The episode also examines how mentally ill inmates are often mistreated and neglected within the prison system, leading to further deterioration of their mental health.

Throughout the episode, Frontline interviews a range of people, including family members of the victims and offenders, legal experts, and mental health professionals. They reveal the complexities of the issue and the challenges that those with mental illness face when caught up in the criminal justice system.

Overall, A Crime of Insanity is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that sheds light on a critical issue in society today. By telling the story of one specific case, the documentary raises broader questions about how society should address the intersection of mental illness and criminal behavior. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in criminal justice reform and mental health advocacy.