HOUSTON -- Last July, officers were called to the home of Steven Guillory. Police had been there three times before because Guillory had a history of schizophrenia. This time police say Guillory attacked them with a large pipe. Police say Tasers had no effect and Guillory kept attacking. He was shot and killed.

Omar Esparza's parents say their son suffered from deep depression. They got him help once, but say he was getting worse. They then tried again to get their son treatment.

"I wanted them to check him out like they had before, but there were no rooms," said Asuncion Valle, Esparza's mother.

"They're being told either there's not enough room or they can't take him on an involuntary basis," said Carlos Leon, the family's attorney.

Since Esparza was over 18 years old, he either had to voluntarily check into a hospital, something his parents say he wouldn't do, or they had to go through the daunting legal process of having him committed. Three weeks later he stopped eating, showering or seeing friends.

In January of 2007, police were called to Esparza's home.

Officers said Esparza attacked them with a hammer. When non-lethal weapons didn't work and police said Esparza kept attacking, he was shot and killed.

Esparza and Guillory are extreme outcomes, but common examples of a system that typically handles the mentally ill through the criminal justice system first.

"We're treating a lot of psychiatric patients at the jail house who ought not to be there, but they've got nowhere else to go to get their treatment," said Dr. Britta Ostermeyer, deputy chief of psychiatry for Ben Taub Hospital and the Harris County Hospital District.

Ostermeyer said a lack funds is creating a critical lack of bed space for mentally ill patients, therefore, hospital stays are shorter and outpatient care is scarce.

More Information:

Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County
Anyone in a psychiatric emergency or in need of information can call 713-970-7000 or 866-970-4770.
If the person voluntarily seeks treatment, he or she may call or go to the Neuro-Psychiatric Center (MHMRA), located at 1502 Taub Loop, 713-970-7070, or Ben Taub General Hospital (HCHD), located at 1504 Taub Loop, 713-793-2000. Both of these facilities are in the Texas Medical Center.
The University of Texas Harris County Psychiatric Center
If you or someone you love needs help with mental illness or general counseling, please call our facility for a confidential assessment. We want to help you or assist you in locating the right source. We can be reached at 713-500-8800.