Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley addressed questions from 12 News Investigates regarding the release of murder suspect Amando Lang from a mental health facility without the proper notification from the county Department of Health and Human Services to the court.Lang, charged with first-degree intentional homicide for the 2019 stabbing of Ben Christianson, was found unfit to stand trial and released after a year in a mental health facility. Greenfield police responded to Amando Lang’s mother’s house on June 15, 2025. Records show his mother called 911 because he was having a reaction to his medication. Body camera video obtained by 12 News shows officers didn’t know he was in public.Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services admitted it did not notify the proper authorities of Lang’s release when state law requires it.”How does that happen?” Investigative Reporter James Stratton asked Crowley.”You know what, I’m not sure how it happens. I’m really grateful that not only my office, but county supervisor Vincent, called for an audit. I think BHS has done everything they can and go through with a fine-tooth comb to figure out what happened in this particular incident. We do believe this was an isolated incident. We want to make sure, going forward, that these types of things never happen again.”A Milwaukee County Health and Human Services spokesperson told 12 News it was an isolated incident in a statement Monday.”Chapter 51 commitments and how these cases are processed in Wisconsin is complicated and each case can have unique nuances. We believe this was an isolated incident,” the statement read, in part.12 News has also learned that the Chief Medical Officer of Behavioral Health Services, Dr. John Schneider, resigned on July 1, though it is still unclear why.”I think that’s a question for him,” Crowley said. “But, I will say this. I couldn’t think that having this particular situation didn’t weigh in on his thoughts on why he should resign or not.”Schneider did not return calls and requests for comment from 12 News Investigates. Milwaukee County has not yet fulfilled a records request for his resignation letter, which is typically public record.Monday, the Milwaukee County Committee on Audits voted to move forward with an audit of Behavioral Health Services. The full county board must approve the audit.Thursday, the head of DHHS will present a report in front of the Milwaukee County Committee on Health Equity, Human Needs and Strategic Planning.Lang will be back in court Tuesday, where a doctor’s report is due that will determine if he is fit for trial. His mother did not return a request.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley addressed questions from 12 News Investigates regarding the release of murder suspect Amando Lang from a mental health facility without the proper notification from the county Department of Health and Human Services to the court.
Lang, charged with first-degree intentional homicide for the 2019 stabbing of Ben Christianson, was found unfit to stand trial and released after a year in a mental health facility. Greenfield police responded to Amando Lang’s mother’s house on June 15, 2025. Records show his mother called 911 because he was having a reaction to his medication. Body camera video obtained by 12 News shows officers didn’t know he was in public.
Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services admitted it did not notify the proper authorities of Lang’s release when state law requires it.
“How does that happen?” Investigative Reporter James Stratton asked Crowley.
“You know what, I’m not sure how it happens. I’m really grateful that not only my office, but county supervisor Vincent, called for an audit. I think BHS has done everything they can and go through with a fine-tooth comb to figure out what happened in this particular incident. We do believe this was an isolated incident. We want to make sure, going forward, that these types of things never happen again.”
A Milwaukee County Health and Human Services spokesperson told 12 News it was an isolated incident in a statement Monday.
“Chapter 51 commitments and how these cases are processed in Wisconsin is complicated and each case can have unique nuances. We believe this was an isolated incident,” the statement read, in part.
12 News has also learned that the Chief Medical Officer of Behavioral Health Services, Dr. John Schneider, resigned on July 1, though it is still unclear why.
“I think that’s a question for him,” Crowley said. “But, I will say this. I couldn’t think that having this particular situation didn’t weigh in on his thoughts on why he should resign or not.”
Schneider did not return calls and requests for comment from 12 News Investigates. Milwaukee County has not yet fulfilled a records request for his resignation letter, which is typically public record.
Monday, the Milwaukee County Committee on Audits voted to move forward with an audit of Behavioral Health Services. The full county board must approve the audit.
Thursday, the head of DHHS will present a report in front of the Milwaukee County Committee on Health Equity, Human Needs and Strategic Planning.
Lang will be back in court Tuesday, where a doctor’s report is due that will determine if he is fit for trial. His mother did not return a request.
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