In 1994, Ralph Tortorici, a 26-year-old New York psychology student, took a college class hostage. A paranoid schizophrenic who was convinced the government had planted tracking devices in his body, he was charged with assault, kidnapping, and attempted murder. His mental illness was apparent, but not how the courts should deal with him. FRONTLINE examines the controversial case in interviews with his family, defense attorney, prosecutor, and judge....

While gripped by psychosis, a troubled young man stabs a complete stranger six times in a crowded shopping mall. Declared not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder, the young man, Sean Clifton, is confined to a forensic mental health institution. His victim, Julie Bouvier, miraculously survives, haunted by nightmares but relieved that her attacker has been locked safely away. Twelve years later, she is terrified to learn that Sean is...

What happens to people who suffer from mental illnesses and commit violent crimes? Where do they go? How are they treated? Little is known about the facilities-once called asylums for the criminally insane-to which some of these patients are sent. Now known as forensic psychiatric hospitals, these are institutions inside which patients disappear, away from public view for years. Four-time Emmy winner John Kastner has been granted unprecedented access...

"Well-used to elevated emotions, psychologist Alex Delaware shrugs off a joking death threat from beautiful Beverly Hills physician Constance Sykes, whose attempt to secure legal custody of her baby niece is thwarted by Alex's forthright report to the court. Alex plays down the threat until LAPD's Milo Sturgis rushes to his side with the shocking word on the street that a hit's been taken out on him. But while Alex may be in grave danger, it won't...