Psychiatric Care Denied to Gunman

In the three months before he fatally shot two Fairfax County police officers, Michael W. Kennedy and his parents tried numerous times to get him immediate psychiatric help, their attorney said. Four times, Kennedy was sent home without getting help, and two mental health facilities told them not to bother coming in at all.

On one occasion, Kennedy, 18, who by this time claimed he was talking to God and was threatening suicide, was voluntarily admitted to a mental health facility in Rockville. But after several hours, he left of his own accord and carjacked a vehicle to return home to Fairfax.

"This young man was crying out for help," said Richard F. MacDowell Jr., the attorney for Brian and Margaret Kennedy, Michael Kennedy's parents. "On at least five occasions, they sought mental health services and were turned away. I can't think of another case that would be this compelling as to how ineffective our mental health system has become."

Michael Kennedy's last contact with mental health professionals occurred May 4, four days before he carried seven loaded guns to the Sully District police station and opened fire, MacDowell said. Kennedy fatally shot Detective Vicky O. Armel and Officer Michael E. Garbarino before being shot to death by other officers.