NORTHAMPTON — The autistic man who stands accused of trying to kill his mother in their Belchertown home last fall may be released from jail depending on the outcome of a court hearing Wednesday. And his mother could not be happier.
Wednesday’s hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. in Hampshire Superior Court where Zachary Holmes’ attorney, Alfred Chamberland, of Easthampton, will argue that the 21-year-old man should be released from jail and placed in an Amherst apartment run by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, according to court records.
Chamberland said he will also ask that Holmes be released to the state-supervised apartment without posting cash bail. At the apartment, Chamberland added, Holmes will be under “24-7” supervision by the Department of Developmental Services.
In February, Judge Mary-Lou Rup ruled that Holmes would continue to be held until his attorney located a Department of Developmental Services assisted-care residence that could accommodate his needs, at which point his release could again be considered in court. Holmes has pleaded not guilty to armed assault with attempt to murder and strangulation.
“I’m very hopeful that, not only will the motion be allowed, but be allowed with the agreement of the commonwealth,” Chamberland said. “I’d be disappointed to see the commonwealth stand in the way of this young man with autism entering the community where he would receive proper level of supervision through (DDS) monitoring, and he’d also be receiving treatment and counseling for his autistic condition.”
Assistant Northwestern District Attorney Jennifer Suhl declined comment Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Joann Holmes, 54, who has remained her son’s most ardent supporter and repeatedly insisted she never wanted charges filed, said Tuesday that she was spending the day ensuring finishing touches were ready to go for the assisted-care apartment in which Zachary is expected to live if he is released.
“The mom in me wants him out there as soon as possible,” Joann said. “The caretaker in me wants to take the time to do this right.”
She continued, “Sometimes it just blows my mind with so many people involved,” she said. “We’re doing everything the right way.”
Joann’s already purchased new curtains and bedding and toiletries, she said, adding that she’s even prepared to give her Bob-O-Pedic mattress to Zachary for his own use. He’s always loved that mattress, she said.
Her Christmas tree remains up, with gifts and all, at the home she shared with Zachary before he was arrested, she added. She and others also took the time to make cards for each holiday Zachary missed in light of his absence.
“He just wants to get out, put on a pair of shorts and jump on YouTube,” Joann said laughing. “He’s all excited.”
Michael Majchrowicz can be reached at mmajchrowicz@gazettenet.com or 413-585-5234.