copulation and was sentenced to the Atascadero State Hospital in June 1969 as a mentally disordered sex offender considered amenable to treatment. Incarceration at Atascadero and Vacaville prison Bonin arrived at the Atascadero State Hospital on June 17, 1969; he was subjected to a battery of psychiatric examinations which revealed that he possessed a higher than average IQ of 121 and displayed traits of manic depression, sexual sadism disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. Though no other significant brain anomalies were present, a physical examination revealed extensive scars on Bonin's head and buttocks, which he claimed to have no memory of obtaining, but were likely sustained in the Franco-American Orphanage. This lack of acknowledgement led experts to conclude Bonin repressed memories of the more extreme aspects of his childhood abuse. These professionals also noted the psychological and emotional implications of Bonin's unhealthy relationship with his domineering mother, upon whom he remained emotionally dependent in spite of her low opinion of him, and who maintained her son was essentially "worthless as a human being". Bonin regularly attended group therapy sessions while incarcerated at Atascadero. Psychiatrists noted his defensive, aggressive attitude toward other patients and refusal to acknowledge his homosexuality. In the presence of several patients, Bonin is known to have divulged his intentions to eliminate any future victims of his sexual assaults if he deemed necessary and he was classified as an extreme sociopath with a high probability of recidivistic behavior under periods of psychotic breakdown. His "extremely disturbed" methods of social interaction were also viewed as hindering his own treatment. Despite this, Bonin willingly participated in experimental programs and was generally considered a non-violent, helpful and conscientious patient by staff, reciting what he perceived psychiatrists desired to hear from him, believing he could manipulate psychiatrists into granting him an early release. One psychiatrist wrote of Bonin that he "wanted to straighten himself out, but doesn't know how to go about it." On July 7, 1971, Bonin was sent to the California Medical Facility, having been declared unsuitable for further treatment due to repeated sexual engagement with inmates – two of whom were mentally challenged – which resulted in his being beaten on several occasions, in addition to alienating and irritating fellow patients. While in prison, Bonin was subject to further psychiatric examination which dealt with hostility toward his father and older brother, further noting his sexual behaviors were compulsive in response