Two other Hillcrest patients had checked out with Richey and Matejka on March 22, although they are alleged to have remained in a car when Baker was slain and were not charged. Both have since been transferred to the psychiatric units of local hospitals, according to the report. The man's criminal record includes home invasion and aggravated assault. The report also identified two other patients at Hillcrest who were on parole for violent behavior. Hillcrest officials have said they followed procedures that allow their patients to leave the facility unsupervised.
Federal law prohibits patients from being locked up in a nursing home.
Still, the facility made some changes immediately after Baker's death, Magence said. Hillcrest stopped accepting patients with criminal backgrounds. The staff also added a question to the patient sign-out forms asking whether the patient currently has any suicidal or homicidal feelings. The Illinois Department of Public Health's investigation report on the March incident is expected next week. Federal officials are planning to meet with Department of Public Aid officials in May. Watchdogs for the care of the mentally ill say Baker's death raises questions about whether Hillcrest was able to treat mental patients who require advanced levels of care, especially those prone to violence.