Judge: Cayer not to be released from mental health facility

GREEN BAY (WLUK) -- A judge denied a request Monday by Jacob Cayer to be released from a secure mental health facility, where he is undergoing treatment after being convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend and her mother in 2016 -- but then ruled to be not guilty by reason of mental disease.

Cayer, 32, was convicted August 2020 of killing his ex-girlfriend, Sabrina Teague, and her mother, Heesun "Sunny" Teague, at a Hobart home. After a jury ruled he was not guilty by reason of mental disease, he was committed to a secure mental health facility. An appeal of his conviction is currently pending.

In October, a psychologist testified he believed Cayer continues to be a risk to himself and others.

The hearing was continued Monday, as Cayer demanded in October to appear in court in person. However, for this hearing, he refused to be transported and, instead, testified by video from the Mendota Mental Health Institute.

Cayer described the issues he had with the way the psychiatrist handled the interview. He also characterized his life in the facility, lack of discipline for behavioral issues and efforts to improve his mental health. Cayer requested to be released with tracking and other restrictions, saying he is no longer a threat to himself or others.

Brown County District Attorney David Lasee argued the state met its burden of proof to show Cayer continues to be a risk and asked for the commitment to continue. Cayer has not taken active steps to participate in treatment, Lasee said.

Sarama Teague, whose mother and sister were killed, asked the judge not to release Cayer.

“I live in fear that the court might someday come to the decision that Jacob Cayer has paid his debt to society and earned his freedom," she said. "Some debts cannot be paid. Some crimes are so heinous that the release of the perpetrator is an affront to the fundamental principles and rule of law that constitute our social fabric. The murders of my mother and sister cannot be undone."

During Teague’s comments, Judge Tammy Jo Hock muted Cayer because he was interrupting and acting inappropriately. Cayer then disconnected from the call. Hock scolded him for his behavior -- which included making an obscene hand gesture towards the judge -- and subsequently muted him multiple times for interrupting.

“I am not granting your petition for conditional release. There has been an incredible amount of testimony presented by Dr. Miller in his report as well, indicating what a significant risk you are to the community, to yourself, to others,” Hock said.

She noted he has no insight into his mental health issues and has taken no steps to participate in treatment. Hock said Cayer’s testimony Monday was not credible.

Cayer was convicted of two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, attempted homicide, burglary and bail jumping. There is no set timeline for a decision on the appeal.