Joanna Kasner’s request for more freedom denied, except limited out-of-state travel

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Psychiatric Security Review Board recently denied most requests from Joanna Kasner, convicted in the 2019 shooting death of Valerie Peterson, to ease her state supervision. Kasner had sought greater independence seven years after the murder, but Peterson's family is fighting to keep current restrictions in place.

The Board's decision comes as Peterson's family relives a painful chapter during the latest hearing.

In 2019, Kasner murdered her neighbor, Valerie Peterson, near Grande Loop and McGrath in the Boonsboro area north of Bend. Kasner, who is currently on conditional release at a secure residential treatment facility, asked the Board to scale back her care.

During a recent hearing, Kasner's attorney questioned her about her mental health. Joanna Kasner stated that she has 'HISTORICAL DELUSIONAL DISORDER AND COMPLEX PTSD'. She also affirmed her engagement in treatment for these conditions, noting, 'FOR THE LAST SEVEN YEARS, HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF HOURS, SUPPORT GROUPS, THERAPY OF ALL SORTS.'

Kasner's requests to the Psychiatric Security Review Board included a step up to independent living, permission to drive a vehicle, entry into Multnomah County for treatment with GPS monitoring and authorization to travel outside of the state.

The state's attorney, representing Valerie Peterson's family, argued these requests were premature and advocated for Kasner to remain under the Board's jurisdiction.

The Board subsequently denied all of Kasner's requests except for out-of-state travel. For approved out-of-state travel, Kasner must provide seven days notice and will be monitored by GPS. She will not be accompanied by medical or law enforcement personnel, meaning she will be allowed to travel on her own.

During the hearing, confusion arose when the state questioned Doctor Ruiz, a medical expert testifying at the hearing, about a motion Kasner had filed to set aside her convictions. Dr. Ruiz responded, 'YEAH, I DID NOT KNOW THAT THIS WAS HAPPENING. I DON'T KNOW THE THINKING BEHIND IT. I DID NOT TALK WITH HER ABOUT THIS.'

Peterson's sister, Melissa McPherson, recounted that Valerie Peterson was conversing with Kasner while on the phone with her family just minutes before Kasner murdered her. Peterson's agreement to talk with Kasner resulted in six bullets to her mid torso, costing Peterson her life.