Diagnostic Test Due for Huffman’s Killer

A 90-day diagnostic study was ordered Wednesday for a Mexican teen-ager convicted of murder in the stabbing of actor David Huffman to determine whether the young man should serve his sentence in prison or at the California Youth Authority.

Because of his age, 17-year-old Genaro Villanueva must undergo the tests before he can be sentenced.

Superior Court Judge Norbert Ehrenfreund Wednesday set April 30 for sentencing of Villanueva, who was convicted of first-degree murder Dec. 6 after a jury trial. He was tried as an adult because of the seriousness of the crime.

Huffman was stabbed to death in Balboa Park last Feb. 27, not far from the Old Globe Theatre, where he had been appearing in the play “Of Mice and Men.” He was killed while chasing Villanueva after he spotted the youth breaking into a motor home.

Huffman’s widow, Phyllis, attended Wednesday’s hearing, and Ehrenfreund told her he would consider a letter she wrote to him when sentencing is passed. The judge did not reveal the contents of the letter but ordered a copy be sent to CYA officials conducting the tests on Villanueva.