MADISON, Wis. -- The operator of an adult family home on Madison's East Side pulled the plug on allowing Mark Staskal to come live there, according to state officials.

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Staskal, who was sent to a state mental institution for the 1984 killing of his 16-year-old sister, was to be released to the group home on Madison's East Side, but that plan fell through on Thursday.

In a letter dated Friday to a Rock County judge, the state Department of Health and Family Services said that "although the department had confidence the placement for Mr. Staskal was appropriate to meet his treatment needs and we had confidence this would be a successful placement, the provider has informed us the placement is no longer available," WISC-TV reported.

There is no reason given in the letter why Jason Standish, the operator of Brighter Life Living adult family home, has now declined to accept Staskal's placement.

Staskal has lived for many years at the Mendota Mental Health Institute, but a Rock County judge ruled earlier this week that he could leave that facility and go to the group home, which is located in the Tenney-Lapham neighborhood.

However, the move sparked controversy. Staskal's parents have warned state and court officials that they believe their son is still a danger. In addition, some area residents also expressed concern as the East Side home is near an elementary school. The house is located one block away from Lapham Elementary School.

"It may be for the best," said Patrick McDonnell, president of the Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood Association, in response to the group home's decision.

McDonnell said that neighbors were eager to attend a neighborhood meeting that was being planned about Staskal's placement. He said some were worried about the lack of warning and the concern from Staskal's parents over whether the facility ever had a client like Staskal.

"There was enough concern over those issues, but maybe less about Mr. Staskal and more about how qualified the facility was to house him and how well thought out was the plan," McDonnell said.

McDonnell said his neighborhood is not opposed to services or group homes, and that residents were just eager for more information. But officials said many of the details were "confidential."

Staskal was placed at Mendota Mental Health Institute since being found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect in the stabbing death of his younger sister, Marcy, at their parents' Milton home. He will remain at the Mendota Mental Health Institute for the time being, WISC-TV reported.

The letter says that state officials are reviewing "placement options" and will update the court as soon as possible.

Madison Alder Brenda Konkel said that she and other city leaders met Thursday privately with state officials, and got specific details about Staskal's condition. She said she understands the public's concern, but was comfortable with Staskal's placement at the group home. She said that she can't explain why because she pledged not to disclose details by signing a confidentially agreement.

"Because I had access to confidential information, I felt comfortable with the placement although I totally understand why the community would be very upset about the placement," she said. "And without being able to provide that information, I totally understand why people are so upset."

Staskal was released to an Eau Claire group home late last year but returned to Mendota amid public uproar about it.

Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.