David W. Cassada, a 22-year-old Penn State student accused of attacking two women in their dorm rooms over the summer and attacking another woman near a downtown apartment building a week and a half ago was denied his request to be moved from Centre County Prison to a psychiatric ward at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hospital this afternoon.
Cassada’s attorney, William Stockey, asked that his patient be allowed evaluation and treatment for alcoholism and mental illness. He also assured that his client would not return to Centre County aside from mandatory court appearances.
Centre County Assistant District Attorney Steve Sloane countered Stockey’s request, asserting that there is no way to guarantee Cassada would remain in an inpatient facility. The victims and their families also felt strongly about Cassada staying in jail. The judge denied the request.
Cassada’s bail was reduced to $200,000 straight bail from a total $325,000 bail the three incidents netted.
Cassada was arrested after a bar employee recognized him from photos posted on the State College borough Web site. He was wanted for throwing a blanket over a female’s head near a downtown apartment building and repeatedly beating and kicking her. He later confessed to the two incidents of entering the dorm rooms of two female students over the summer and attacking the residents inside.
