Mental Competency of Former College Student Charged with Stabbing Murders Under Scrutiny

The mental competency of Carlos Dominguez, the former college student charged with two counts of murder and attempted murder in the stabbing spree that sent shockwaves through the University of California, Davis, community, was questioned during a recent court proceeding. According to his attorney, Dan Hutchinson, Dominguez has not showered in the nearly three months he has been in jail and often goes days without eating. Despite his deteriorating condition, Dominguez retains a belief that he will eventually return to his college classes.

During the hearing, Hutchinson outlined evidence showcasing Dominguez’s declining mental state since his freshman year, indicating that he displayed symptoms of schizophrenia. However, prosecutors argued that Dominguez is purposefully feigning incompetence and must be held accountable through a criminal trial. Ultimately, a jury will determine if he is mentally fit for trial based on his ability to comprehend court proceedings, assist his defense attorney, and understand his involvement in the criminal case.

If deemed unfit for trial, Dominguez would be transferred to a state mental health hospital for evaluation and treatment instead of being tried in a criminal court. The accused had been a third-year student at UC Davis majoring in biological sciences until he was expelled on April 25. Hutchinson mentioned in court that Dominguez had failed all his classes in the recent winter term.

Dominguez faces charges related to the deaths of a well-loved 50-year-old homeless man and a 20-year-old UC Davis student, both of whom were fatally stabbed near the university campus. Meanwhile, a homeless woman survived an attack in her tent.

Hutchinson, depicting the dire conditions his client endures, highlighted that Dominguez remains unclothed, unmedicated, and untreated for his mental illness while under constant observation due to suicide watch measures. The defense attorney also noted that no one had witnessed Dominguez taking a shower or brushing his teeth.

However, Frits van der Hoek, a Yolo County deputy district attorney, vehemently disputed Dominguez’s incompetence claim, asserting that the court-appointed expert did not adequately assess his mental state. This statement aligns with Dominguez’s previous court appearances, where he wore a green safety vest, presented disheveled long hair partially obscuring his face, and made erratic remarks such as expressing guilt, apologizing, and refusing legal representation.

Interestingly, conflicts surrounding Dominguez’s age have arisen, with authorities and UC Davis officials citing his age as 21, while his attorney stated that he is 20. Diverging records of birth contribute to this discrepancy.

Testimonies from Dominguez’s former girlfriend, Caley Gallardo, and his former roommates provided further insight into his changed behavior. They recalled how he transformed from a reserved, academically driven individual to someone who neglected self-care and became disinterested in eating. Gallardo attempted to discuss potential mental health concerns with him, but he rejected the notion. His roommates mentioned instances where he exhibited signs of isolation, hearing voices, and staring off into space. One of the roommates stated that Dominguez used marijuana and talked about psychedelic mushrooms.

The trial is expected to take up to eight days, barring any interruptions. While the jury will not convene during the upcoming week, the proceedings will resume at a later date.

This ongoing case surrounding Carlos Dominguez has captivated the community, shedding light on the devastating effects of mental illness and its potential consequences. As legal deliberations continue, the University of California, Davis, and its surroundings remain haunted by the tragic events that unfolded.