Judge sentences ASH patient who strangled roommate

January 22, 2016

A former Atascadero State Hospital patient received a sentence of 25 years to life in prison for strangling to death his roommate at ASH. Adam Paul Cary, 35, was convicted of killing Allan Turner, 53. [Tribune]

Late last month, Cary pleaded no contest to first-degree murder. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss a count of aggravated assault, as well as some prior conviction charges.

Cary must serve at least 25 years in state prison before he is eligible for parole, according to the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office.

On May 28, 2014, an ASH psychiatrist found Turner with his face stuffed in a dorm pillow and Cary on top of him. Cary, who is 6 foot 8 inches tall and weighs 225 pounds, reportedly attacked Turner while he was asleep.

Last year, the family of Turner filed a wrongful death lawsuit against ASH. The lawsuit alleges several patients in Cary’s unit complained he was violent and threatening.

Cary has previous convictions of attempted rape and assault. He allegedly was experiencing religious and sexual delusions.

At the time of the strangling, ASH was placing patients with the most serious and violent behavior in a special program. ASH officials should have placed Cary in the program, the suit alleges.

Last April, Cary was found incompetent to stand trial. His competency was restored in December.