A judge today deemed a 27-year-old murder suspect incapable of
assisting in his own defense
– after an initial psychiatric exam – and referred him to a
mental health program for further analysis. Judge Steven Sanders at
today’s hearing in San Benito County court referred Samuel E.
Turner to the Conditional Release Program (CONREP) for a
comprehensive social and psychiatric analysis to
determine the best approach to restore his competency back to a
level where he can assist his attorney.
HOLLISTER
A judge today deemed a 27-year-old murder suspect incapable of assisting in his own defense – after an initial psychiatric exam – and referred him to a mental health program for further analysis.
Judge Steven Sanders at today’s hearing in San Benito County court referred Samuel E. Turner to the Conditional Release Program (CONREP) for a comprehensive social and psychiatric analysis to determine the best approach to restore his competency back to a level where he can assist his attorney.
Turner’s Attorney, Harry Damkar, said that the plan to restore Turner’s competency could include hospitalization or medication.
Turner is accused of first-degree murder in connection with the strangulation and stabbing of 31-year-old Elizabeth Esther Gomez in March 2007. When police were called to the scene, they reported Turner had been inside Gomez’ apartment alone with the body. Police also reported that he appeared to have suffered a self-inflicted knife wound to his scrotum.
Turner is set to appear in court again at 9 a.m. Aug. 19 for further review of his competency.
“It depends on what they determine will be the best approach,” Damkar said.
Sanders also vacated the initial trial date of Oct. 7 to accommodate Turner’s trip to CONREP.
The psychiatric evaluation was ordered by Sanders because there was word coming from the San Benito County Jail that Turner was “not doing well,” according to Damkar.
After the new hearing date was set, Turner asked Sanders if he could make a statement. Sanders said he should talk with his attorney first, and both of them proceeded to a meeting room adjacent to the court room.
Damkar later said that Turner will get to speak at the next hearing.
