The issues you referenced are indeed serious and I agree that it seems clear that income level affects treatment way too often. Unfortunately, other factors, like the color of ones skin or religion, way too often contribute to a difference, as well. I'm sure this is especially so in some places more than others, but it happens everywhere, including "blue" states of the US.

I can't offer a judgement specifically on the man you describe. I would need more info. I do, however, believe that many crimes committed when a person is seriously mentally ill should not be treated the same as those when not. It's sad that they often are, and mentally ill in jails/prisons are even frequently treated worse than prisoners who are not mentally ill.

I strongly recommend that anyone interested in this issue read Pete Earley's book "Crazy: A Father's Search Through America's Mental Health Madness". Pete Earley also has a good website of info at Pete Earley - Bestselling Author and Mental Health Advocate

Voting and advocacy are important in making changes to the issues discussed here. Reasonable and compassionate prison reform (criminal justice reform) is on the agenda of many politicians of one of the two major political parties in the US. Writing letters or talking to elected officials helps, too. Even to those of the political party seemingly less concerned. Perhaps even more important, to them! I have done this many times and included this very concern. Organizations like NAMI can provide guidance on mental health advocacy. It is a high priority for them.