Family of Hatchet Victim Speaks

On Thursday, Judge John McGregor ordered Nicholas Bendle to be released from Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino to minimum security in Los Angeles.

In 2009, Nicholas Bendle attacked and murdered 69 year-old Frederick Holgate with a stolen hatchet in Santa Maria.

After the attack, Bendle was diagnosed as schizophrenic.

Earlier this year, his doctors called him a “model patient,” and recommended that he be transferred.

It was based on this recommendation that Judge John McGregor ordered Bendle out of maximum security.

A move that’s been met with mixed reactions in the community.

“I don’t think a murderer should be out,” said Barbara Clark, Holgate’s sister.

“If he’s that sick he can’t be cured and I don’t care what the doctors tell you, he can’t be cured unless it’s a miracle and God can do him but I just hope he doesn’t hurt somebody else.”

Bendle will be transferred to Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center in Los Angeles.

After a 90-day period there, he’ll be sent to a residential boarding care facility in Ventura.