32 year old Thomas Proesel is currently in Tennessee where he is undergoing treatment for mental issues after being arrested for throwing a snowboarder off an Aspen chairlift . His attorney is trying to set up a video or phone conference with the district court of Aspen in an attempt to enter his plea without endangering the progress he has made in treatment by returning to Colorado.
The Aspen Times spoke with his attorney Pamela Mackey of Denver and she had this to say about Proesel remaining in Tennessee:
“It’s very dangerous for him (to leave). His mental state is fragile at best. We can’t put him on a plane.” and “He is doing well in treatment.”
Andrea Bryan of the prosecution is is arguing that Proesel be required to enter his plea in court because there are special rules that will come into play with his plea to the felony attempted assault and misdemeanor reckless endangerment, that would require his presence in the courtroom.
The District Judge Chris Seldin will decide whether he has to return during a a hearing on April 18th.
NOTE: This entire case aside, if you or anyone you know has a little too much on your plate and need to talk to someone about it, it is nothing to be ashamed of. You can call this number if you are in distress 1-800-273-TALK, they can talk you through whatever you need and offer referrals for local experts.
