OSHKOSH, Wis. -- An Oshkosh man convicted of killing his neighbor is asking to be released from a state mental hospital.

James Shields, 57, stabbed Charlie Rayner more than 100 times in 2006. He was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, but found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.

He was committed to a mental hospital last year.

WLUK-TV reported he's now asking for conditional release. He said in court documents that wouldn't pose a significant threat to himself or others if released "under specific conditions."

When Shields was sentenced, the judge told him that if he reached a state of competency he'd return to court to face the criminal charges.

A message left for Shields' trial lawyer Monday wasn't immediately returned.