As far back as 1965 Ferguson had been found to suffer from "visual hallucinations." In the early 1970s, he was sent to state mental institutions where doctors diagnosed him as "grossly psychotic" and someone who doesn't "know right from wrong." He was found to be paranoid schizophrenic, delusional, explosive and aggressive. And in 1975, a doctor wrote presciently, "This man is dangerous and cannot be released under any circumstances." In less than a year, Ferguson would be free.