FRESNO (KMJ) — The man alleged to have shot and killed four people in Fresno, three during a shooting spree Downtown, has been ruled competent to continue to the criminal trial.
Immediately after that ruling was announced by Judge Jonathan B. Conklin Monday, Kori Ali Muhammad’s attorney entered a not guilty plea for the ten felonies he is alleged to have committed.
During closing arguments, Fresno County Deputy District Attorney Brian Hutchins argued that the jail calls played in court showed that the symptoms of mental illness were being put on.
“He is able to control himself and control his thinking,” Hutchins told the courtoom, adding that his recorded telephone conversations provided “irrefutable” evidence.
“This is all a platform for him getting publicity,” added Hutchins.
The court had previously heard from forensic psychologist Dr. John Meloy, who said Muhammad “knows the shrink talk” (click here to read more).
The counter argument from the defense referenced the three reports determining Muhammad’s competency: two establishing he was incompetent and a third which ruled that he was competent.
Defense attorney Brian Beshwaite contended that if his client was faking his symptoms then he would have played them up for all three examinations and all three would have produced the same result.
“I know this is not an easy case,” he told the court.
After hearing both sides, Judge Jonathan B. Conklin called for a 30 minute recess before announcing his decision.
“The law presumes that the defendant is mentally competent. In order to overcome this presumption, the defendant must prove that it is more likely than not that the defendant is now mentally incompetent because of the mental disorder.
“I find the defendant is presently competent to stand trial in each case before the court.”
Criminal proceedings were then restarted, with Friday January 26th chosen as the date for the pre-preliminary hearing.
“Let black people go with reparations or the natural disasters will increase,” shouted Muhammad as he was being led out of the courtroom. “You know the deal, watch the weather.”
Outside Department 72, his attorney Richard Beshwaite told awaiting reporters all avenues of defense are being explored.
“I think everybody here knows that my client suffers from a major mental illness and that’s certainly in my humble opinion a causative factor as to why we’re here.”
Beshwaite added that he does not know how his client feels about the upcoming criminal trial.
“We’re satisfied and very happy with the judges decision on the case,” Fresno County Deputy District Attorney Brian Hutchins told those gathered outside.
“The judge, I think, looked at a lot of evidence and we’re satisfied that he made a good decision and it’s obviously the one we were hoping for.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
