A Casper man who was found not guilty by reason of mental illness in what prosecutors called attempted suicide by cop was discharged from court-ordered supervision, though a judge said he hopes he continues to get mental health help.

Natrona County District Court Judge Daniel Forgey handed down the finding Wednesday morning.

In July, Forgey issued a ruling determining Jose Luis Alvarez was mentally ill when he allegedly tried to attack police officers while begging them to kill him in March. 

An affidavit of probable cause says police were called to a residence in the 4800 block of East Yellowstone Highway in Casper after a woman called police and reported that Alvarez was suicidal. Alvarez allegedly approached officers, cursing at them and daring them to kill him because "I'm a cop killer," the affidavit says.

Appearing in court Wednesday, Alvarez needed a cane to stand and leaned onto the lectern for much of the hearing. His attorney, Marty Scott, said an officer only needed to push Alvarez down to end the March encounter.

While mental health evaluations are not public record, attorneys alluded to a recent evaluation Wednesday morning that determined that Alvarez is no longer a "substantial" risk to himself or members of the community. Under Wyoming law, that meets the threshold for being released from court-ordered supervision.

Scott noted that a mental health professional said in the report that Alvarez had responded well to counseling and other treatment, but it would probably be in his best interest to continue.

Forgey said he hopes Alvarez continues with treatment.

Under Wyoming law, a person is not culpable for criminal conduct if, at the time of the offense, a mental illness caused the accused to lose appreciation for their actions. 

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