Part Three: Chapter Nineteen, Murder Summary and Analysis

Donald kills his girlfriend while under the influence of PCP and then immediately suffers from amnesia and is unable to recall the event. During the trial, the details of the case are not openly discussed in front of the court or Donald because of their horrendous nature. It is concluded that Donald suffered a temporal lobe or psychomotor seizure and is not held responsible for his actions. As "punishment," Donald is committed to an institution.

During his stay in the mental institution, Donald takes up gardening. He is a calm and well-mannered patient and in his fifth year is permitted to take day trips into town. On one such excursion he is riding his bike down hill when he is in an accident that leaves him in a coma. While comatose, Donald makes...