Jeffrey Yao Found Not Guilty by Reason of Lack of Criminal Responsibly

WOBURN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan announced that today In Middlesex Superior Court Jeffrey Yao, 27 of Winchester, was found not guilty by reason of lack of criminal responsibility of the murder of Deane Stryker and of the attack on the man who tried to stop his murderous rampage. Judge Kathe Tuttman ordered the defendant to be civilly committed to Bridgewater State Hospital.  The ruling came during a bench trial after the defendant waived his right to a jury trial. 

During this case Mr. Yao was evaluated for criminal responsibility by three experts.  Each of the doctors found the defendant to lack criminal responsibility because he did not have either substantial capacity to appreciate the wrongfulness of his conduct or the ability to conform his conduct to the requirements of law.

“Deane Stryker was an amazing young woman planning a life full of promise and service. No outcome in this case can ever diminish the great tragedy of her death or fill the void left in the lives of her mother, sisters and others who loved her. The result in the this case, which acknowledges the seriousness of the mental illness that this defendant is living with and was experiencing at the time of the murder of Deane Stryker, was compelled by the findings of the medical experts.  It does not alter our belief that Mr. Yao continues to pose a serious risk to the public and that his long term civil commitment to Bridgewater State Hospital is required. While today marks the end of this criminal case for the Stryker family, the brave gentleman who tried to save Deane and the many witnesses who were in the Winchester Public Library that day, the effects of that painful day remain.”

The family has asked that we convey their request for privacy at this time.  Victim witness statements that were provided to the court will not be made available.