Defendant Ordered to Undergo Mental Tests
One of two Soviet army deserters charged with killing a North Hollywood woman was ordered Wednesday to undergo a mental examination after a psychiatrist testified the defendant could not assist in his defense.
San Fernando Superior Court Judge Howard J. Schwab ordered Peter Sakarias, 23, transferred to a state mental hospital for a three-month evaluation. Psychiatrists must tell the court on Aug. 15 whether the man is mentally competent to stand trial.
Sakarias and Tauno Waidla, 22, were accused of killing Viivi Piirisild, 52, who was found beaten to death in her home July 12, 1988. They also allegedly tried to extort $3,000 from her and stole her jewelry after beating her, police said.
The men, both Estonians, deserted from the Soviet army in December, 1986, and entered the United States in 1987, eventually moving in with Piirisild and her husband, Avo Piirisild.
The Piirisilds, also Estonians, were active in the Estonian community in Los Angeles and provided the men with a place to live while they adjusted to life in the United States, friends of the couple said.
Both men pleaded not guilty to charges of murder while lying in wait, robbery, burglary and selling stolen property. Their trial is scheduled to begin in September.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
