During the 2024 session, the Florida legislature has finally started to address the long-neglected mental health crisis within the criminal justice system. This shift comes after years of advocacy and pressure from individuals and organizations who have been working tirelessly to bring attention to this critical issue.
At CBS News Miami, we have been closely following this issue, especially after the release of Jim DeFede’s documentary “Warehoused: The Life and Death of Tristin Murphy” in 2023. This powerful documentary brought renewed urgency among lawmakers to tackle these issues head-on.
In a recent discussion with guests Cindee Murphy (Tristin’s mom) and Judge Steve Leifman (Associate Administrative Judge of the Miami-Dade County Court), they highlighted both the accomplishments made by the legislature in 2024 and the challenges that still need to be addressed in 2025.
Jim DeFede, an investigative reporter for CBS4 News and the host of the Sunday morning public affairs program “Facing South Florida,” has been following this issue closely. Through his in-depth reporting, he has shed light on the importance of addressing mental health within the criminal justice system and how it impacts individuals like Tristin Murphy. By raising awareness and fostering discussions, DeFede is playing a crucial role in pushing for much-needed reforms that will improve outcomes for those who are struggling with mental illness in our justice system.
