FRESNO (KMJ) — Proceedings against Kori Ali Muhammad have been delayed once again. The man accused of shooting dead three people in Downtown Fresno, and murdering a security guard outside a Central Fresno Motel 6, continues to await a mental competency hearing.
The results of the report into his mental health were scheduled to be heard Friday morning, but more time was requested. It’s the second time proceedings have been put back under section 1368 of the Penal Code, which covers competency to stand trial based on the defendant’s mental condition (click here to read more about his previous appearance in court).
“They’re not ready yet, [the doctor] needs a couple more weeks to have that prepared,” revealed Muhammad’s attorney Richard Beshwate. “The doctors are reviewing him and they’ll generate a report.”
He adds that he doesn’t know what to expect from it, but if Muhammad is deemed not competent enough to continue then that could be the start of a separate procedure.
“There would probably be a second doctor appointed to determine whether that first opinion is appropriate. Then if that doctor comes in with a similar finding then there could either be a jury trial on the issue, there could be a stipulation on the issue, it all depends upon on all the factors in those reports.
“There could be [a jury trial on his competency].”
Richard Beshwate is a private attorney, who was assigned by the court to take on the case from the previous public defender.
“The lawyers, the public defender’s office, had a conflict of interest. They weren’t able to represent him.”
He added that the reason for the change was a “confidential matter.”
Kori Ali Muhammad was present in the courtroom once again for the hearing, wearing a yellow jumpsuit and standing tall.
“Let black people go with reparations,” he shouted soon after he was walked in.
The hearing continued, interrupted once again with “pray for the missing black women and children in America.”
“Shh,” came the response from someone else in the courtroom.
As Judge Brian Alvarez continued the discussion, Muhammad told those around him someone had threatened him.
Once the decision had been made to delay proceedings, the 39 year old suspect was led out of Department 30.
“Let black people go with reparations, or the natural disasters will increase,” cried out Muhammad.
The report into his mental health is expected to be heard in court on June 1st.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
