Ex-UC Davis student’s attorney claims his client is mentally unfit for trial in stabbing deaths – Orange County Register.

BY JANIE HAR | Associated Press

In the ongoing case of the former college student accused of murder, it has been revealed that he has not showered or eaten regularly since his incarceration. Additionally, he maintains the belief that he will be able to return to school, according to his attorney, Dan Hutchinson.

This information was brought to light during a hearing to determine the mental competency of Carlos Dominguez, who stands accused of the stabbing deaths of two individuals and the attempted murder of another in the vicinity of the University of California, Davis campus.

Hutchinson plans to present evidence demonstrating that Dominguez exhibited signs of schizophrenia during his freshman year of college. However, the prosecution argues that Dominguez is intentionally feigning incompetence and should proceed to trial.

The final decision on Dominguez’s competency will rest with the jury. To be considered unfit for trial, the defense must prove that Dominguez cannot comprehend court proceedings, assist his attorney, or understand his own status in the criminal proceedings. If found unfit, Dominguez will be evaluated for treatment at a state mental health hospital instead of facing a criminal trial.

Dominguez, who was expelled from UC Davis as a third-year student majoring in biological sciences, is accused of murdering a homeless man and a UC Davis student, while also attacking a homeless woman who survived. All of the incidents occurred near the campus.

He was arrested on May 4, shortly after the discovery of the second victim, in close proximity to the crime scene.

“He sits there each day in his empty cell, unclothed, unmedicated, untreated for his mental illness,” stated Hutchinson, referring to his client who is under constant observation due to being on suicide watch. “He has not showered a single time, and if he ever has brushed his teeth, nobody appears to have seen that.”

However, Frits van der Hoek, a Yolo County deputy district attorney, countered Hutchinson’s claims by asserting that Dominguez is deliberately pretending to be unfit for trial. He criticized the court-appointed expert for not thoroughly questioning Dominguez.

Dominguez, known for wearing a green safety vest and long hair obscuring his face, has previously made vocal statements admitting guilt, expressing a desire to apologize, and indicating a reluctance to have legal representation.

There is conflicting information regarding Dominguez’s age. While authorities and the university have listed his age as 21, his attorney stated that he is actually 20. Jonathan Raven, the county’s chief deputy district attorney, explained that official records contain differing birth dates.

Caley Gallardo, Dominguez’s former girlfriend and a senior at UC Davis, testified that they initially connected over their dedication to education and close relationships with their families. However, she ended their relationship in March or April 2022 as she noticed a drastic change in Dominguez’s behavior, including a lack of interest in eating and personal grooming. Although Gallardo attempted to discuss the possibility of mental illness with him, he was unreceptive.

Dominguez’s former roommates also testified, revealing that he became increasingly isolated and mentioned hearing voices. They, as well as a former coworker at Jack in the Box, reported witnessing him staring off into space.

During cross-examination by van der Hoek, one roommate stated that Dominguez had used marijuana and discussed psychedelic mushrooms.

The trial is expected to last up to eight days, with no proceedings taking place the following week.