JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – Auriel Scattergood, a man accused of brutally attacking and murdering his partner in Ashland in 2021, was found guilty except for insanity on Friday. The ruling, delivered by Circuit Court Judge Laura Cromwell, determined that Scattergood was suffering from a severe mental health disorder at the time of the incident, which led him to believe he was Jesus Christ.
The tragic events unfolded on September 15, 2021, when Scattergood assaulted his partner, Meghan Rodriguez, with a bladed weapon at their home on Eagle Mill Road. During the attack, Scattergood also assaulted their roommate, Jon David, and injured Rodriguez’s dog. David, in an attempt to get help, retreated to his room and called 9-1-1.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found Scattergood continuing his assault on Rodriguez with a club. Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies, assisted by Phoenix Police Department officers, were able to apprehend Scattergood as he was attacking Rodriguez. Despite their efforts, Rodriguez succumbed to the injuries inflicted during the attack. Both David and the dog survived their injuries.
Following his arrest, Scattergood was charged with the murder of Rodriguez and various other offenses. However, his defense argued that his actions were driven by a mental health crisis. The court, after reviewing evidence and expert testimony, concluded that Scattergood was not fully aware of the nature of his actions due to his belief that he was a divine figure, resulting in the “guilty except for insanity” verdict.
As part of the ruling, Scattergood was placed under the jurisdiction of the Psychiatric Security Review Board for life. He will be transferred from the Jackson County Jail to the Oregon State Hospital, where he will undergo psychiatric treatment and be monitored closely.
The case has brought attention to the intersection of mental health issues and criminal behavior, highlighting the complexity of addressing violent crime committed by individuals experiencing severe psychiatric disorders. While Scattergood’s actions resulted in the devastating loss of life, the court’s decision underscores the importance of mental health care and treatment for individuals in crisis.
For those affected, including the surviving family members and friends of Meghan Rodriguez, the emotional and psychological toll of the crime remains profound.