An Orem man was spared a possible death sentence when he pleaded guilty but mentally ill Tuesday in 4th District Court to burning his roommate to death last Labor Day.
In a plea bargain with Utah County prosecutors, Scott Austin Causey, 23, entered the pleas to one count of murder and one count of arson, both first-degree felonies. The crimes carry a possible sentence of five years to life in prison. He was originally charged with aggravated murder, a crime punishable by the death penalty.Causey admitted dousing 54-year-old Glen Cowden and the living room of Cowden's home with gasoline on Sept. 5, after the two got into an argument. Causey then ignited the gas, burning down the home and causing fatal injuries to Cowden. Police say Cowden had befriended Causey and allowed to him to live at his home for a short while.
Judge Lynn W. Davis will hold a sentencing hearing on June 12. Before that hearing two psychiatrists will evaluate Causey to determine whether he is mentally ill. After reviewing the doctors' findings, Davis will decide whether to turn custody of Causey over to the Utah Department of Human Services or Utah Department of Corrections.
If Davis rules that Causey is mentally ill, Causey likely will be treated at the Utah State Hospital. When Causey recovers from his mental illness he will be turned over to the Utah Department of Corrections and serve the remainder of his sentence at the Utah State Prison.
If Causey is not found to be suffering from a mental illness he likely will be sentenced to the Utah State Prison. In either case, the Utah Board of Pardons will decide when to release him from custody.
Causey was found incompetent to stand trial in November after two doctors testified that he suffered from bipolar disorder. At a hearing in March, however, another doctor testified that Causey is not psychotic, has logical thinking and exhibits stable moods. Following the testimony Davis found Causey competent to proceed with trial.