FRED A. BAUGHMAN, JR. M.D.

NEUROLOGY AND CHILD NEUROLOGY (Board Certified)

FELLOW, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY

fredbaughmanmd@cox.net

1303 HIDDEN MOUNTAIN DRIVE

EL CAJON, CA 92019

Tele:(619) 440-8236

 

Editor

New York Times  

 

Re “A Mother, a Gun Enthusiast and the First Victim.” Page 1, Sunday, December 16, 2012

 

To the Editor:

 

With the main question “Why?” (This slaughter of 28 innocents) why was James Champion, Adam Lanza’s uncle given the final say on Adam’s mental health history?  We are told: “Mr. Champion would not discuss whether Adam Lanza had a developmental disorder or mental disease.”  Nor was there mention of a history of his having used illegal or legal prescription psychiatric drugs.  I have encountered cases in which a pharmaceutical firm was the party urging (paying?) the family not to disclose whether or not such drugs had been used.  Given the enormity of this crime how can authorities not discover and disclose all such medical and psychiatric information?  Where does the murderer’s’ right to privacy end and the victim’s and the public’s right to know commence?

 

Fred A. Baughman Jr., MD--Neurologist