MASON CITY – A Mason City man was found not guilty of first degree murder today in Cerro Gordo county court.
Thomas Barlas, Jr., age 43, was found not guilty of felony A first degree murder by reason of insanity, court records show.
Judge Gregg Rosenbladt order that Barlas be transported to a mental health institute.
Barlas has been incarcerated at the CerroGordo County Jail since July 19, 2013. Tom Barlas, Sr., age 73, died on the previous evening at a home at the 2900 block of 1st Street SW. Thomas Barlas, Jr. was arrested at the scene and charged with murder and had been awaiting trial since then. Read report from July 19, 2013.
Barlas, Jr. had much support from friends and family following the incident.
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This verdict goes to show how it works in Mason City. It’s always who you know, how much money you have, and how many “influential” people you know. There was a reason this was not a jury trial. The family knew that he would not be charged by the judge where as a jury may have found him guilty. If this would have been any one else, they would be going to prison. Matt, keep us up to date with this. I’m sure once his 30 day evaluation is up, he’s home free.
@ Lehigh your not nobody say what is real and what is not. Tommy has problems ok, needs good help. It could of been one of your relations done this. Far as I know Todd Blodgett never killed nobody. I do know the man, he has nothing to do with this here. Nobody made you God Lehigh stop thinking your him.
Why haven’t we found out about what was in Tommy jr’s system at he time of the murder ?
Good question. Toxicology reports should be public record. Sounds like a job for NIT
The real question is what was in his system at the time of the murder ? And it goes matter not in the insanity plea but in the perception of what really was going on in those lives ………….
It just seems the Barlas family is being blamed for a flawed justice system. Having the financial means to obtain justice does not make them guilty of those who are not treated fairly. In the midst of all the conspiracy theory that the judge was improperly influenced, everyone seems to have forgotten these are PEOPLE. Kind, generous hardworking people, in my experience. They have suffered much, and always will. The case was tried, its over. Let it be over for them.
Amen!!! And, may the memory of Tom Sr. be eternal!!!
I typed a response but it didn’t post. Too tired to repeat it so I will simply say this…Tommy Barlas was insane due to mental illness at the time he killed his dad. That is indisputable. In ANY instance where insanity is clearly the ONLY cause of the crime, then an individual’s character really shouldn’t be at issue. Whatever you personally feel about Tommy, his heart is not that of a murderer. He hasn’t been set free, he will be a prisoner of guilt forever.
I personally don’t feel anything bad against Tommy Jr. He was always very nice to me; not a lot of words, but that’s the Barlas style. No one wants to see the family suffering, but it’s righteous to examine the conditions surrounding this case, as it speaks volume about class, merit, and connections in relation to the criminal justice system. In highly conformed China, or North Korea he would be swept away and delivered a swift sentence. Fairness & Equality is the issue here.
I think I’ve rested my case. I’m glad the family got the outcome they felt they wanted, but I’m just not sure the verdict gives justice to the deceased man Tom Senior (who was killed), or those in the past who were convicted of murder when they were also suffering from mental illness. Also, I’m not sure the public will be safe either. Murder is a unique action. Taking away someone’s life w/out notice or mercy traditionally forfeits your own. IT’s irreversible.
Lehigh, is it drugs that make you sound ignorant, or are you just actually stupid?
Philosophus, You believe that yoga and Buddha are a cure for mental illness? Why aren’t you curing cancer, MS, ALS….is it not about bringing ones BODY under control? The brain is simply a part of the body, and it is subject to damage, defect and disease.
Perhaps if people like yourself did not stigmatize mental illness, perhaps the unfair justice system that angers you would exercise less prejudice.
@ Mitz, maybe what Lehigh is saying is that mentally disturbed people who use illegal drugs and weapons are dangerous and should not be able to buy their freedom or be considered acceptable members of society. Barlas, Jr, and Todd Blodgett are both known to have used drugs, have had troubles with the law, anger management issues, and have been jailed. One just got away with murder, the other is known to pull guns on innocent people. Both got breaks most of us would never receive.
Some possess extraordinary capabilities for controlling the mind and body. I’ve discovered personally, amazing differences by eating raw fruits and vegetables compared with McDonald’s Dollar menu, meat, cheese, diet. It’s like night and day: sickness, lethargy, confusion, compared with lightness, energy, focus, direction. So if diet can mean the difference between suicide or success, how cannot the vigorous practice of Yoga to master and control one’s mind?
Do you actually read your own mental regurgitation or is that solely everybody else’s problem?
both.
Seen on the Glob blog’s a bunch of Barlas groupy’s stick up for the Barlas kid, one is Todd Blodgett defend Barlas, says its good he is out. Druggy’s they stick together. Bet Toddy boy feels guilty he is not locked up to. Crazy people that does drugs, they feel sorry for them self’s. You never know what them crazy’s will do next. Toddy boy says on there he use to work for Tom Barlas the dad I mean. Bet thats a big fat lie. Money talks with judges, go ask Blodgett and Barlas.
It is a testament to the deep love the entire Barlas family has for each other that forgiveness was a given for them. Tommy has children who don’t deserve to spend their lives listening to twisted recollections of “what really happened” as it seems is so prevalent in this city. I sincerely hope that if and when Tommy is released he will be able to start a new life away from ignorant gossips. Its ridiculous to think he would return to Chop, but if the possibility concerns you, don’t eat…
I have read below accusations that imply the Barlas family “bought” the verdict. Tommy is, does and always will suffer not only the burden of mental illness, but the knowledge of what he did to a man that I know he dearly loved. A not guilty verdict hardly sets him free. Likely, he will spend his remaining years either locked in an institution or held captive by those who are so quick to cast judgment on an illness they know nothing about. He will be in anguish the rest of his days,…
I doubt you can answer this question but I’ll ask anyway.
How is Barlas jr different than Aaron Harris?
Harris loved his girlfriend too! Its shitty that Harris has to face his Demons alone with no support but JR gets support from his friends/family.
I think we all know the answer to this anyway! Like I said
SHITTY!
I worked with and knew the Barlas family well for many years. Any family can be picked apart and criticized, likely with some validity. No family should suffer a tragedy such as this and be subjected to rude accusations and conjecture.
Regardless of your personal feelings towards the Barlas family, please remember that their lives have been forever torn apart by this. No verdict can bring back their father, husband and friend.
Be kind people.
From reading the comments, I don’t see that anyone is picking apart the Barlas family or treating them harshly. We are however discussing apparent double standards in the justice system and wondering how a person can violently stab someone with a knife, and possibly be back working in Chop restaurant in about 30 days? Beyond the Barlas situation, the Legislators need to amend the penal code…and prosecutors need to start prosecuting equally without regard to wealth or position.
Your comments are deeply appreciated. Thank you.
Just goes to show what money can buy you……
So this is perhaps the last thing I have to say about this…I would NEVER feel comfortable or safe being with this individual because he demonstrated he is capable of bloody, murderous violent death. Whether he was angry at his father, or whether he was full blown hallucinating that he was the Devil, is quite irrelevant. He has violence in him…and without strong medication and constant monitoring, he could kill again. I’m sorry, to say this, but it is the truth.
Remember that historically, except for especially heinous crimes against society at large the penalty for crime against individuals was left to the victim or his family to decide. An eye for an eye, first born child, money or whatever. It is still like this in many countries today. How would the Barlas situation fit in that climate? As Just My Opinion stated, what would Tom want? I think we all know the answer. Marybeth, you and ventura49 summed it up well.
I distinctly remember Jordan Johnson’s family sitting on the defense side as the State prosecuted him mercilessly. Aside from the stepfather, whom he had no relation to, the grandparents already forgave him. Were their wishes taken into consideration? I don’t think what you suggest is feasible, as it disregards equanamity in application of the law and the protection of inalienable rights. We are not Sharia law here, and what you suggest is.
If it were possible to ask Tom Barlas, Sr. whether he wanted his son in prison for the rest of his life, what do you think Tom would say? This wasn’t your typical murder case.
My only concern is that somehow Tom, Jr. is forced to take his medication from this point on. If not, how do we know he won’t have another psychotic episode where he deems it necessary to kill again?
I believe the judge made the right decision, but there needs to be some oversight to ensure it doesn’t happen…
I think it is safe to say That Tom Sr, like most parents, would have GIVEN his life to protect his son. He would not want revenge, he would want Tommy to be helped.
I do have faith that he will be adequately supervised regarding medication whether he is eventually freed or not. This family is not stupid, and they would never let this happen again.
In closing…aside from the nature of mental illness & criminal responsibility, obligation of society to care for the mentally ill, or the nature of the mind and mental illness itself, lies the County’s use of Prosecution, when and against whom this occurs, and to what degree: This is the major issue at play here. Should the State be required to vigorously prosecute all homicides that come before it…overriding local County Attorney’s? The State has dogs, and they weren’t released.
What in the hell is that supposed to mean? You Ms. Greenan, I’ve seen you writing on here for sometime now, and I’ve never cared for anything you have to say…all stuffy and boring stuff. But now you’re going to take a cheap shot at me? Screw you. No one cares about Courthouse workers complaining about piddly matters. You should learn some respect when talking with me.
Personally, I like my courthouse workers to be non-political. I think you’ve already overstepped your usefulness to the community down there, and shouldn’t be working there. Who can trust you don’t sit around and gossip about sensitive documents and files? I think really the issue is that you’re not intelligent to comprehend what I write, and with a knee-jerk reaction to protect your obvious friends, you lash out. Grow up, Visit Lumosity.com. Train your brain to know how to think.
Actually, you should be fired for making such a statement. You don’t belong working in the government in any capacity with such a snarky, sarcastic outlook, especially when veiling the threat of “medication” as an invalidation tactic towards a person’s viewpoints and thoughts. You ought to be ashamed at yourself for resorting to such behavior. You join Peter Children in contemptible status. Seriously, if I were your boss at the Courthouse, I’d fire you on the spot.
Money can get anything done!!!!
@Philly-this is obviously something that is near and dear to you. I too hope they put in some type of control to make sure he takes his medication so he doesn’t hurt anyone else. I guess money does talk and if you have the resources to hire the best attorney it works. As to the rest of your issue’s here, you may be correct. At the very least it gives me another way to look at things. However, the case is now closed and I doubt there will be a appeal.
I reserved my thoughts until after the verdict was rendered because I feared my persuasive abilities are quite strong (didn’t want to hurt the Barlas outcome). Barlas will never be in danger of double jeopardy, so why not discuss the obvious discrepancies in how justice is meted out? Thanks LVS…I’m not deliberately trying to hurt the Barlas family. The only thing preventing me from sitting atop a Judge’s bench and straightening out the Justice system is a piece of paper.
LVS, the Legislators need to get to work and create a new outcome for mentally ill people rendered NOT GUILTY by reason of INSANITY, but still responsible for deaths of others. An adjustment in the code should require LIFELONG supervision. After his Oakdale 30 day stint, potentially he could be rendered ‘free to go’ by a Judge, with no future treatment necessary. If your illness caused a death, you should prepare to be supervised for life. Sex Offenders are, why not those who murder?
It’s not precisely “near and dear to me”, but I am quite perplexed (as I have been for sometime now) how malleable and paid for the criminal justice system is. Apparently a robotic cut and dried justice system is not what the populist masses desire. Flexibility to pardon some, and crucify others is part of the collective psyche’ of America. Chalk this one up under “mercy”. Look at the tattoos on his arms though…were it not for the family, he’d have been toast. Mason City likes it.
I for one am happy with the verdict. The County Attorney made a statement and he is the Prosecution, that this was the right thing– that he was clearly insane at the time of the murder. I pray that Tommy gets the treatment he needs for his mental illness. May God be with him and his family. They must be relieved and thankful that the justice system worked properly in this case.
That you wrote “thankful that the justice system worked properly in this case”, means you acknowledge the justice system DOESN’T work properly in other cases, and thus is the subject of our debate.
I believe this is a shining example for all to see, of how a justice system works in a Capitalistic, Cronyism Society, but also a Meritocratic one as well. The achievements of the Barlas family were obviously taken into consideration. The moral of this story is DON’T commit homicide-sick or not sick, but for those who do, a complex play of popularity, money, and connection will determine your fate in MC. Dr. Lala’s kid is the other example of how popularity and connection matter.
Now some Meritocratic Capitalists would argue “this is exactly how it should be”…those who produce more, or are more popular or valuable to society should be judged differently than those who are economically, or socially lesser. They reason that money should purchase better medical care, better defense, better automobiles, and thus the Justice System fits perfectly within the parameters of this hierarchical system. That is a choice society needs to continue to support, or reform.
Given that junior’s positive schizophrenic symptoms were that of religious symbolism (Jesus Christ killing Satan) and the fact he was raised in the Orthodox Christian Church, it seems imperative that parents instill non-religious moral and ethical values in their children. Dogmatic, archaic and fantastical belief sets can work on the minds of unstable people, with tragic results. My understanding is toxicology was NOT done on Tommy Barlas jr the night of the homicide. Is that true?
Because Carlyle Dalen refused to prosecute this case it will never be known if junior and senior were engaged in a father/son fight of some sort, as opposed to this being a psychotic break. I’m sure if Aaron Harris were a little smarter, he could have said that he killed Satan (his girlfriend). Obviously if you hate someone strong enough to kill them, you could think of them as “Satan”, which is really just the object of your adversity. A good prosecution could have probed this further
The prosecution considered that Aaron Harris was a lifelong ward of the State, w/ no family to speak of, no job, living on the fringe of society, a substance abuser and alcoholic, and in all probability, unredeemable. Barlas on the other hand will undoubtedly receive the best care and monitoring, and have a loving family and strong community support system to return to upon his release. So being a disenfranchised nobody harms one’s ability to get the second chances the wealthy enjoy.
However with that said, is anyone really going to feel comfortable being in the same room with him when he is released? Is it feasible to let him back into the kitchen surrounded by knives and pressure? I don’t suffer from schizophrenic mental illness, so I have no idea what that must be like, but I tend to believe that humans need to restrain their actions no matter what the condition of the mind. People become temporarily insane on drugs, yet they still know not to murder.
Buddhism and Yoga teach that having a crazed and “demon-haunted” mind is no excuse for not mastering it. It takes monumental effort to bring the mind under control-like trying to stop a group of wild horses or an “ox trampling the sweet grass”, but it can be done. Psychiatry promotes weakness in people by telling them “you will need medication for the rest of your life” (which is a lie). When the sufferer goes off his medication, his mind reverts back to chaos…until he masters it.
For me, the subduing of my mind occurred while performing Yoga outside in a park in Iowa City. The great “surrender” occurred first in the desert in Eastern Washington state, then on the Pacific Coast, and thirdly on the beach of Key West. Surrender versus Subduing are different phenomena. Surrendering involves complete docility and passivity, fasting and letting the body’s processes occur with no action. Subduing involves rigorous Yoga and Zazen effort to conquer your mind and body.
I’m sorry the Greek Orthodox priest, or Clear Lake school system never taught this to Tommy. I learned these esoteric truths on my own. Yogic and Zen mind training need to occur on a widespread cultural level, but of course the pharmaceutical company would prefer to make money off people with “endless injections and pills” to manage their “schizophrenia” or “bi polar”. Buddha would laugh at such silly names for basically the same thing: an UNCONTROLLED MIND.
Regardless of prior circumstances- in all murders committed by alleged mentally ill persons:the end result is a deceased corpse. Whether Aaron Harris came from sleeping rooms, odd jobs, and institutional settings, or Barlas from family business, religious structure, wealth and privilege, they both committed heinous acts while not thinking correctly. No one wants to see Aaron Harris free on the streets to his own devices, but likewise who wants Barlas left alone free either?
It could be argued that the Barlas family themselves failed Tommy Jr. by not addressing his mental status, likewise the Mental Health Center, and Transition Center should be held responsible for their failure to properly address Aaron Harris’s deteriorated mental condition…after all, he was under their care for many years (I’m not sure if he was still under committal when the murder occurred) One man sits in prison, because of the mistakes of others, while the other will be set free.
My aim is not to see Tommy Jr in prison, as some of you would prefer. My object is to get the State to review and overturn some of the past convictions of people with mental illness, and give them the same shot at treatment, redemption and second chance Tommy Jr.is getting. In fact, I’d think the Barlas family would spend considerable effort at this, for if they merely return to enjoying their affluent lives, what purpose would it serve the community junior was freed?
as much as it pains me to admit this you do bring up some good points–you just don’t know when to quit. I think a better term for every place you use “affluent” or “wealthy” a better term would have been “hardworking”. In my opinion the correct verdict was reached–It’s a family matter really. I wish them well as they continue working through this tragedy
Hardworking and business smart-yes, the Barlas family are. But technically speaking, the State is not supposed to honor the concept of “family matters” when homicide occurs. The blind lady of justice is supposed to weigh accordingly and 1. Punish Offenders 2. Rehabilitate Offenders (if possible) 3. Deter Future Offenders 4. Offer justice to the victims. Again, glad to see something good occur for the family (as this is what they wanted), but a serious discussion needs to happen.
@Ventura49: If we go down this road of “family matters”, it will pave the way for “honor” killings of wives, and children, infidelity killings of spouses, murder of unwanted babies etc. Do you believe the State should just step back because it’s contained within the family unit? I’m sure some strict Old Testament Biblicists would prefer such a scenario, but when it comes to homicide or abuse, the State has an obligation to protect all its citizens, regardless of their relations.
You sure like talking to yourself, don’t you? LOL
You should listen to him Anonymous he does make sense!
The Barlas’ are nice people. They do have name recognition in this town but I would not say that they are rich. In fact, I would argue to the contrary. Philosophus,your pontifications are tiresome. In this case, when you get your law degree and pass the bar perhaps I could listen to your incoherent ramblings and speculations without laughing. Vroom! Vroom!
You’re a female, I can easily discern that from your writing style. You probably drink mixed drinks at Eleven bar, you have a periphery curiosity with the Barlas family, (perhaps have a crush on one of them), or were a former waitress. Any of this right? Be honest.
This is why our system has went to shit in a hand basket! Feel sorry for our grandkids and their kids.
The Lady of Justice who holds the scales and weighs the truth while blindfolded peeks out and sees money and power before rendering the verdict. Perhaps this afforded some comfort to the Barlas family but shame on us!
Ok, so most of us knew this was going to be the outcome of this case. I’m sorry the Barlas family had to go through this. None of what I write is directed personally at them. It’s all critical analysis on how the justice system in this area operates. It’s IMPORTANT to let the authorities know they’re not fooling anyone in how they mete out justice, but it probably won’t matter, because unless their job is threatened, they disregard or ignore. Shall we begin?
If my memory serves me, Jordan Johnson’s public defender (Susan Flander) argued he was supposed to be taking medication for schizophrenia but was not taking it. I remember the prosecutor rebutting this, saying it’s no excuse for committing a terrible crime, when you know you should be on medication. I believe the man who killed that coach in Parkersburg tried the same approach, to no avail. It worked for Barlas though apparently. This is evidence of double standards of justice at play
Attorneys knew not do a jury trial in the Barlas Case. Did the others have a Jury Trial?
If they did then the Jury of Peers sent them to prison. It is not about what is right or wrong it is about how smart and well versed your attorney’s are with the law. It is never black and white as we would like it to be.
Harris had zero game, Susan Flander was his public defender (automatic win for state), Carlyle Dalen went for blood, bringing in state prosecutor Douglas Hammerand from Des Moines. Harris is borderline mentally retarded, born to two parents both schizophrenic and bipolar. Harris himself was diagnosed schizoaffective and bipolar w/ poly substance abuse. In and out of institutions and hospitals. I tried to talk to Susan Flander about his history but she refused to listen to my advice.
Harris was wasted on alcohol and in a delerium when police interrogated him for four hours. He had no counsel and told them everything, allowing prosecutors to show intent. Conversely I’m sure Barlas had an attorney immediately and counseled him to say nothing to interrogators. Had Barlas given the same lengthy 4 hour conversation to Prohaska as Harris did, I’m sure intent would have been shown. Yes, difference between smart and stupid settles whether you’re in prison or free.
Matt any Idea why the cerro gordo jail website is not updating?
Wow! Am I glad I don’t live in Mason City! Pretty scary sh–.
Some good will emerge from this, because at least now we know with 100% certainty that different standards apply for the rich and the poor. Jordan Johnson (ax murdered his mother), and Aaron Harris (strangled his girlfriend) were absolutely mentally ill when they committed their crimes, yet both are serving Life sentences. I’m glad the Barlas situation is resolved, so now it’s time to revisit past cases and compare. Carlyle Dalen knew he had no plan to aggressively pursue this case.
Exact point I was trying to make. I wonder if the Judges/Attorneys feel any remorse at all in their career. Harris clearly was mental there’s no doubt about it. But how does one Judge the severity of a crime and by that I mean Barlas stabbed his FATHER and Harris strangled his girlfriend why would the sentencing differ from one another? Any judge out there that can answer my question with a straight face?
It’s not who you kill – it’s who you know…and who the judge knows.
It’s wrong to send a Mentally challenged man to prison. Barlas was not mentally challenged and they both committed murder. Harris should be in a mental facility not prison.
I’m Curious
on how well these judges/prosecutors sleep at night. Disgusting!
I would argue from my exposure to Tommy jr. that he is mentally challenged also. Harris’s problem is that he is gullible, trusting and honest. Prohaska and the Detectives at the MCPD made mincemeat out of him in that interrogation room. I would have liked to seen the Barlas interrogation tape…I’m sure there wasn’t one, because his attorney was probably there at the law enforcement complex before he was-sent over by his mother. “My client has no comment at this time”, and it was over