Accused Greenfield man found 'incompetent' in 2019 after fatal stabbing must undergo another competency exam, judge rules

GREENFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A Greenfield man who was found incompetent to stand trial against first-degree intentional homicide charges in 2019 must now undergo another competency exam next month.

Amando Lang was reportedly sent to a mental health facility under civil commitment six years ago after prosecutors said he cut the throat of a 49-year-old Madison man in a random and deadly attack.

But on June 15, 2025, Greenfield police responded to a crisis call which turned out to be Lang.

CBS 58 obtained body camera footage from the incident, which shows multiple officers calmly speaking with Lang while placing him in handcuffs and into a squad car.

“It’s wildly risky to not have him detained right now. Like if he’s in that state, we literally don’t know what he’s capable of," an officer is heard saying.

Court documents revealed Lang was visiting family for Father's Day, where he confirmed with police the facility he lives in is "not secure" and he's allowed to come and go as long as he takes his required medications.

But his meds are what reportedly caused "a bad trip" for the first time, prompting the call for help.

On Monday, June 23, Lang appeared in court for an emergency hearing after officials learned he was released back into the community without any notice, which is required.

“Civil commitment means commitment. Somewhere along the lines, civil commitment has turned into releasing violent people back into the community," said Greenfield Mayor Michael Neitzke, who told CBS 58 he was "shocked" to learn of the situation. “It’s not often that you find the state, the county, and a city agreeing on something that is so outrageous and outlandish that it shouldn’t be happening.”

Wisconsin State Representative Bob Donovan agreed, noting that their concern stems from protecting constituents.

“You know someone dropped the ball here, probably several balls have been dropped along the way. So, I’m glad that at least at this point, we seem to be making a little progress in getting to the bottom of the whole thing," Rep. Donovan said.

Lang will take his exam on July 7 at noon. He will then have his next hearing July 15.

If he is found competent, the district attorney's office said they would pursue criminal charges for the 2019 murder. If he's not, he could be released again.

“I hope he has the care and treatment that he needs," Neitzke said. "I just hope that they’re keeping him, because there’s the other side of the coin where you need to keep the public safe from folks.”