Hi, I am Leopoldo, Theo's granddad. He has OK'ed me taking the lead on helping him raise some of the funds he will need to hire his own attorney. Theo is contributing $780, which is all the money he has. Of course, Theo's parents, my wife, and I plan to help him with his expenses. Many of you have told us they want to help. That is why I started this page.

Theo's goal is to be treated for his severe mental illness in an appropriately safe medical treatment facility until his condition has stabilized. To accomplish that, he needs to have his legal case decided based on treatment needs rather than punishment. With our help, he has found an experienced defense attorney who has worked with mental health cases.

We all believe that his ongoing mental illness was the underlying cause of an episode in June that led to his incarceration. He has been in jail for over three months while his case drags on. He receives minimal mental health treatment, limited to medication and no psychotherapy or counseling. He spends 23 hours in his cell alone on many days and is allowed one hour in a larger room, again alone. His continued incarceration only makes his situation worse.

We deeply appreciate your thoughts and prayers. We also welcome any amount you can contribute to help Theo pay his attorney so he can get the medical treatment he needs.

The photo above was taken last fall when Theo helped Charmaine make some delicious pizza. We have never given up hope that Theo will be able to live a good life.