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Wensmans receive 7 years probation After initially receiving a 10-year prison sentence with 4 years fixed and 6 years indeterminate, Debra and Doris Wensman had that sentence suspended and were given a strict 7-year probation term by Judge Gregory FitzMaurice for attempting to hire someone to kill their neighbor. Debra Wensman, 51, and Doris Wensman, 46, formerly of Greencreek, pled guilty in March to offering to pay an undercover law enforcement officer money, guns and ammunition to kill their neighbor. The Wensmans claimed their neighbors had been spying on them, breaking into their home and stealing things and sabotaging their farm equipment. Since then they have sold their farm and moved to the Boise area. Two psychiatrists testified during the 2-day sentencing that the Wensmans suffer from delusional paranoia that has been untreated and has begun to manifest itself toward their Boise neighbors. The psychiatrists claimed their underlying problem is their mental illness and they have no other criminal tendencies. As a stipulation of their probation they are to immediately seek help for their mental health problems while remaining in their Boise home. One of the primary reasons for going with the probationary program instead of sentencing them to the state penitentiary is the serious shortage of mental health treatment resources in the prisons. FitzMaurice felt there was no guarantee they could receive the treatment and therapy they need. FitzMaurice ordered the Wensmans to make contact with the Idaho Division of Probation and Parole by Tuesday, July 28 and to coordinate treatment with mental health professionals within 10 days. A no-contact order with the victims in this case was ordered throughout the term of probation and they were required to immediately surrender any weapons they have in their possession. They are also mandated to stay in their home excepts for medical visits, attorney visits, probation officer visits or once a week trips to the grocery store. The judge said he would review the case in 30 days. |
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