Neighbors called the police when they heard yelling in the apartment. They were concerned that the man’s elderly mother might be in danger after he had allegedly punched another neighbor and stormed into his home. When deputies arrived at the apartment complex, they found the man’s mother with wounds to…
Articles Posted in mental illness
What is the Difference Between Insanity and Incompetence to Stand Trial in California?
The Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment protects people who are not competent from being unfairly prosecuted during a criminal trial. In some situations, it is beneficial for a defendant to be declared incompetent to stand trial because they lack the ability to understand their charges or they are…
Mental Illness and Crime in California
The idea that there is some relationship between mental illness and crime is a popular theme when violent crimes are sensationalized in the media. People with mental illness live everywhere. So, it is unsurprising that some individuals accused of committing crimes in California also suffer from mental illness. Mental Illness…
California Judge Will Not Seek Third Psych Report
A Humboldt County Superior Court judge recently ruled that he will not be seeking a third psychiatric expert to evaluate accused murderer Gary Lee Bullock’s insanity plea, reasoning that he was only legally obligated to hire two. Gary Bullock will be standing trial for bludgeoning to death Friar Eric Freed…
San Diego Competency Trial Set for Suspect in Triple Killings
Two years ago a San Diego man named Carlo Mercado was arrested for shooting his two brothers Salvatore and Gianni Belvedere and his fiancée, Ilona Flint, at Mission Valley mall on Christmas Eve. The couple was discovered shot inside their car, which was parked in the mall’s parking lot. Gianni’s…