Daniel Rakowitz reportedly transferred to lower-security New York psychiatric centre
Daniel Rakowitz, 65, who was found not criminally responsible for killing and dismembering his roommate Monika Beerle in 1989, has reportedly been transferred from a maximum-security psychiatric facility to a lower-security centre on New York’s Wards Island. The reported move has prompted speculation among hospital employees that he could eventually be considered for release, although there is no confirmation that this is imminent.
Rakowitz was committed to Kirby Forensic Psychiatric Center after his 1991 trial, during which a witness said he had fed Beerle’s remains to homeless people. The New York State Office of Mental Health declined to confirm the transfer, citing privacy laws; Rakowitz had previously been refused a move to a less secure facility in 2010. The article also discusses Sunny Hostin’s claim that she was the holdout juror in his trial, a detail later disputed by contemporary newspaper reports.
- Rakowitz was reportedly moved to a lower-security psychiatric facility.
- Officials have not confirmed the transfer or any planned release.
- His 1991 insanity verdict and alleged conduct remain controversial.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A transfer to a lower-security psychiatric centre could reflect a clinical judgement that Rakowitz’s condition and behaviour can now be managed safely with less restrictive measures. Such placements may support rehabilitation, preserve patients’ legal rights, and allow security to be proportionate to current risk rather than determined solely by the seriousness of the original offence; a transfer would not itself mean release is imminent.
The case against
Given the exceptionally grave nature of the killing and the continuing uncertainty about Rakowitz’s risk, critics may argue that moving him from maximum security could expose staff or the public to avoidable danger. They may also believe that decisions should be subject to clear, publicly accountable safeguards, while recognising that privacy laws limit the information available and that a lower-security placement does not necessarily indicate genuine recovery or impending release.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Notorious NYC cannibal who fed homeless people in parks human BRAINS quietly moved to new facility…sparking fears of potential release”.