FRESNO (KMJ) — A date has been set for Kori Ali Muhammad’s competency trial. The proceedings are expected to establish if he is able to face the ten felony charges laid against him, or if he will be sent to a state hospital for treatment.
The competency trial is scheduled for January 8th 2018, with an earlier date of December 7th 2017 set for a status hearing. The dates were agreed upon inside Fresno County Superior Court Friday morning, following the earlier decision to take the deadlock to trial (click here to read more).
It comes after two court appointed doctors established that Muhammad was not mentally fit to continue. That clashed with the opinion held by Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, whose expert stated that he is able to face the criminal charges and assist in his own defense.
Muhammad’s actions in the courtroom mirrored previous appearances, again shouting out to those in attendance.
“Let black people go with reparations or the disasters will increase,” announced Muhammad as the hearing began, prompting the Fresno County Sheriff’s Deputy next to him to quickly lead him out. The outburst was a slight break from tradition, as he usually remains quiet until the end of the hearing.
“We’ve got to resolve this,” explained defense attorney Richard Beshwate outside Department 30. “Right now the proceedings are suspended. We’re technically in a civil type proceeding for competency issues.”
Beshwate said he believes Muhammad is suffering from a severe mental illness.
“I think we’re heading to a jury trial, that’s an option of both parties. Both parties have a right to a jury trial. We could agree to a court trial, that’s certainly something that’s possible.”
If Kori Ali Muhammad is ruled incompetent, then he will be sent to a state hospital for treatment to return him to competency. If he is found competent, then the criminal case resumes.
The charges include four counts of murder, four counts of attempted murder, and two other felonies. If found guilty, he could face the death penalty.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
