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Samuel Woodward, accused of killing Blaze Bernstein, to be evaluated by mental health experts
They will help determine whether he is capable of understanding the court proceedings and is able to assist with his own defense.www.ocregister.com
My notes from article.
Orange County Superior Court Judge Kimberly Menninger temporarily suspended criminal proceedings against Woodward after Woodward’s defense attorney said she has concerns about whether he is competent to stand trial. Two mental health experts — one chosen by the defense, the other by the prosecution — will be assigned by Judge Menninger to evaluate Woodward & help determine whether he is capable of understanding the court proceedings & able to assist with his own defense.Woodward’s attorney, Deputy Public Defender Alison Worthington, did not specify during the public hearing on Friday morning why she believed Woodward was not competent to stand trial. Woodward is scheduled to return to court for a hearing regarding his mental health on 9/1/22. If a judge determines he is competent to stand trial the criminal case would resume. If he is found not competent, a judge could order him sent to a state hospital for treatment.
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