CSU Fullerton gunman transferred to 'less secure' NorCal mental hospital without notice

SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- The man responsible for a massacre at Cal State Fullerton that left seven people dead is being transferred to what critics are calling a "less secure" facility.

On July 12, 1976, Edward Allaway took a rifle to the campus where he worked as a janitor. He went into the library and opened fire, killing seven people and injuring two others.

A judge found Allaway, 77, not guilty by reason of insanity. He was committed to a mental hospital. Now, Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas said officials at Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino moved him to Napa State Hospital without notifying anyone.

"Allaway should never be released. Period," he said. "It's a real concern that he's in Napa State Hospital. That hospital doesn't have any walls. It's only partially fenced in."

He believes that is a step toward releasing Allaway, which is gut-wrenching news for the family members of the victims who just marked 40 years since the mass murder.

"The system is so flawed and sneaky that the life of a mass murder is more important than the lives of his many victims," said Patricia Almazan whose father, Frank Teplansky, was killed in the shooting.

Rackauckas said Allaway's petitioned for release from the hospital five times, and a judge denied each request.

Patton State Hospital did not respond to Eyewitness News' request for comment.

The district attorney has written letters to the hospital staff who made the decision and to Gov. Jerry Brown, urging them to reverse the transfer.