Melvin Roberts evaluation

MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
Yoknapatawpha County

An official report will follow, but here are my initial impressions.

During my preliminary assessment of Melvin Roberts, he was hostile and uncooperative. While he exhibited characteristics of potential personality disorders, I cannot make any diagnosis based on our single interview.

Mr. Roberts expressed significant rage towards Monica Drum and the legal system. His anger and frustration stemming from being accused of a deeply personal and egregious crime for which he was acquitted, as well as the resentment for the damage to his reputation, which continues to this day despite his acquittal, are appropriate to the situation. However, his fury directed at Ms. Drum and particular members of the Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department and District Attorney's office is extreme and concerning.

Mr. Roberts displayed signs of depression and anxiety, especially related to his loss of reputation and the failure of his business, both of which he blames primarily on Ms. Drum. He adamantly denied ever having suicidal thoughts but said he sometimes wondered if it would be better if he weren't around anymore. He also expressed concern for his wife and grandson and could not say whether his presence or absence would be more detrimental to their current and future happiness.

Mr. Roberts further exhibits symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from an experience in his childhood or young adulthood. I was not able to discover the details of that experience in the short time I had with him, but it may be an underlying cause of his reported alcohol abuse and angry outbursts.

Mr. Roberts refused to provide any additional details about his alleged shooting of Monica Drum beyond what he told detectives. He showed no knowledge of anything beyond what had been published by the local media. Given his current mental state, it is possible his confession was in furtherance of his self-destructive urges and may not be reliable.

Based on Mr. Roberts's mental distress and potential for self-harm, it is my recommendation that he be released forthwith into the custody of the Yoknapatawpha County Health Department for a more thorough mental evaluation and treatment at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford.