Current:Home > NewsEx-student accused in California stabbing deaths is mentally unfit for trial-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Ex-student accused in California stabbing deaths is mentally unfit for trial
View Date:2024-12-24 00:33:19
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The criminal case against a former Northern California university student accused of several stabbings is on hold after prosecutors agreed that he is incompetent to stand trial for charges related to the attacks, which killed two people, wounded a third and terrorized a peaceful college town.
The judge dismissed jurors in Carlos Dominguez’s competency trial Monday, which would have been the fifth day of testimony, after county prosecutors informed the court last week they no longer planned to fight the defense by Dominguez’s attorney that he was not mentally fit for trial.
A determination of incompetency means Dominguez cannot currently understand court proceedings, assist his attorney in his defense and understand his own status in the criminal proceeding.
Yolo Superior Court Judge Samuel McAdam last week ordered the defendant to receive medication over Dominguez’s objections, ruling he was a danger to himself and others without it. Three medical experts testified that Dominguez is schizophrenic.
Dominguez will go to a state hospital when a bed becomes available and once his competency is restored, the criminal trial will resume, said Jonathan Raven, the county’s chief deputy district attorney.
Raven said in an email Monday that prosecutors disagreed with the initial doctor’s report and how she reached her conclusions regarding Dominguez’s competency. Prosecutors previously said Dominguez was “toying with the system” and should face a criminal trial.
They dropped their challenge after hearing new information at trial and the court’s order to initiate involuntary medication proceedings, Raven said.
Dominguez had been a third-year student at the University of California, Davis majoring in biological sciences until April 25, when he was expelled. Stabbings near campus began shortly after. He is charged in the deaths of a 50-year-old homeless man and a 20-year-old UC Davis student. A homeless woman who was attacked in her tent survived.
The attacks terrified the community. Businesses closed early and some students were too scared to attend even daytime classes as their parents pleaded with them to return home.
Dominguez was arrested May 4, a week after the first body was found, near the location of the second attack.
Dominguez was in court Monday wearing a green safety vest. Previously he has spoken out loud to say he was guilty and wanted to apologize and that he did not want an attorney.
His appointed attorney Dan Hutchinson, a Yolo County deputy public defender, said in court that Dominguez would not eat, shower or speak much while in jail. He still believed he was a student at UC Davis and insisted he was not ill, his lawyer said.
It is unclear if Dominguez is 20 or 21 years old. The prosecutor’s office says official records list different dates of birth.
veryGood! (62877)
Related
- Infowars auction could determine whether Alex Jones is kicked off its platforms
- Where to watch Oscar-nominated movies from 'The Holdovers' to 'Napoleon'
- This week on Sunday Morning (March 3)
- Kansas City Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman denies leaking New York Jets' game plans
- Watch as dust storm that caused 20-car pileup whips through central California
- 'Tremendously lucky': Video shows woman rescued from truck hanging from Louisville bridge
- National Pig Day: Piglet used as 'football' in game of catch finds forever home after rescue
- Jennifer Dulos Case: Michelle Troconis Found Guilty of Conspiring to Murder
- Fantasy football waiver wire: 10 players to add for NFL Week 11
- Megan Fox’s Ex Brian Austin Green Reacts to Love Is Blind Star Chelsea’s Comparison
Ranking
- Tony Hinchcliffe refuses to apologize after calling Puerto Rico 'garbage' at Trump rally
- 'Bachelor' star Joey Graziade says Gilbert syndrome makes his eyes yellow. What to know
- Not your typical tight end? Brock Bowers' NFL draft stock could hinge on value question
- Kate Spade Outlet Slides into Spring with Chic Floral Crossbodies Starting at $49, Plus an Extra 25% off
- Is Veterans Day a federal holiday? Here's what to know for November 11
- US Department of Ed begins probe into gender-based harassment at Nex Benedict’s school district
- Driver crashes SUV into Michigan Walmart, leaving multiple people injured
- Horoscopes Today, March 1, 2024
Recommendation
-
Tua Tagovailoa tackle: Dolphins QB laughs off taking knee to head vs. Rams on 'MNF'
-
2024 NFL scouting combine Saturday: Watch quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers
-
Wendy's pricing mind trick and other indicators of the week
-
Report from National Urban League finds continued economic disparities among Black Americans
-
RHOP's Candiace Dillard Bassett Gives Birth, Shares First Photos of Baby Boy
-
Inter Miami vs. Orlando City: Messi relied on too much, coach fears 'significant fatigue'
-
Millie Bobby Brown Dives Deep Into How Fiancé Jake Bongiovi Proposed
-
Powerful storm in California and Nevada shuts interstate and dumps snow on mountains