Monmouth man accused of killing mother in 2022 committed to state hospital

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A Monmouth man accused of murdering his mother was committed to the Oregon State Hospital by a Polk County judge on Wednesday.

Prosecutors say Robin Hethorn killed his 62-year-old mother, Theresa, a decorated educator and beloved grandmother, while trying to rob her in 2022, and is now classified as an “extremely dangerous person.”

Friends and family of Hethorn told the court that he was growing increasingly paranoid leading up to his mother’s death.

While Hethorn’s brother, Daniel, previously said he wanted him to stay behind bars, the judge decided that Hethorn will instead be in the care of the state hospital.

In 2023, Hethorn pleaded not guilty to all charges connected to his mother’s death, including stealing her car and using her identity. But since then, his mental state has been called into question — a forensic psychiatrist told the court on Wednesday that Hethorn suffers from delusions.

“He has attributed this to a microchip that he believes has been placed into his brain,” said Dr. Morgan Beckman with Oregon State Hospital.

“He’s saying he has a chip in his brain and a license to kill. So yeah, I’m very concerned for my safety,” added Elaine Gardner, a friend of the Hethorn family.

The issue hits close to home for Gardner, who told KOIN 6 she was Theresa’s best friend — Gardner testified on Wednesday that she housed Hethorn in the weeks leading up to the murder.

“I still want the best for (Hethorn), because I think ultimately his mother still would too. My concern is I don’t understand why they’re saying they’re going to drop murder charges,” she said.

Polk County court records show Hethorn was previously charged with strangulation and fourth-degree assault for attacking a man in 2021.

At the time, court documents questioned his mental fitness to proceed with trial, but Hethorn was ultimately found fit, and convicted on both charges.

Despite autopsy experts saying Theresa could have died of either asphyxiation or an abnormal heartbeat brought on by an assault, the judge said, either way, he believes the evidence leads back to her son, siding with the state.

Polk County District Attorney Aaron Felton told KOIN 6 that while he will have to dismiss the charges without prejudice, he says if Hethorn is ever found fit, he will refile and prosecute the case.