In the case of Carlos Dominguez, the former student charged with murder in the stabbing deaths near the University of California, Davis, his attorney, Dan Hutchinson, shed light on Dominguez’s deteriorating mental state. Hutchinson revealed that Dominguez has not showered or eaten regularly during his nearly three months in jail. Despite his situation, Dominguez holds on to the belief that he will return to classes.
This information was presented during a hearing to determine Dominguez’s mental competency to stand trial. Hutchinson plans to provide evidence of Dominguez’s schizophrenia symptoms, which began to manifest towards the end of his freshman year. On the other hand, prosecutors argue that Dominguez is intentionally acting unfit for trial, demonstrating that he is “toying with the system.”
Ultimately, the decision regarding Dominguez’s competency lies with the jurors. To be found mentally unfit, the defense must demonstrate that Dominguez is unable to comprehend court proceedings, assist his attorney, and understand his own status in the criminal proceeding. If deemed incompetent, Dominguez will receive treatment at a state mental health hospital rather than proceeding with a criminal trial.
Dominguez was a third-year student majoring in biological sciences at UC Davis until his expulsion on April 25. Shortly after, he allegedly carried out three stabbings on campus or in its vicinity. Two individuals lost their lives, including a beloved 50-year-old homeless man and a 20-year-old UC Davis student, while a homeless woman survived the attack. Dominguez was apprehended on May 4, a week after the discovery of the first victim.
Hutchinson further informed the court that Dominguez had failed all of his winter term classes this year. He described Dominguez’s current state in jail as unclothed, unmedicated, and untreated for his mental illness. As a result, Dominguez is under constant observation on suicide watch. Hutchinson expressed concerns about Dominguez’s lack of personal hygiene, stating that he has not taken a single shower and there is no evidence of him brushing his teeth.
However, Frits van der Hoek, the Yolo County deputy district attorney, countered Hutchinson’s claims, asserting that Dominguez is intentionally pretending to be unfit for trial. According to van der Hoek, the court-appointed expert who deemed Dominguez incompetent did not thoroughly interrogate him.
During the court proceedings, Dominguez was seen wearing a green safety vest with his long hair obscuring his face, as he had in previous appearances. In the past, he admitted guilt, expressed the desire to apologize, and stated that he did not want an attorney.
To support his argument, Hutchinson called Caley Gallardo, Dominguez’s former girlfriend, to testify. Gallardo, who will be a senior at UC Davis in the fall, revealed that they broke up in March or April 2022 when she noticed changes in his behavior. Dominguez, once a reserved and engaged student, gradually stopped eating and neglected his personal grooming. Gallardo attempted to discuss the possibility of mental illness with him, but he was unreceptive.
Hutchinson plans to call Dominguez’s former roommates and a former co-worker at Jack in the Box to testify about his behavior. Through these testimonies, Hutchinson aims to present a comprehensive picture of Dominguez’s mental state and the changes he underwent.
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