OXNARD : Judge OKs Trial in Murder Case

An Oxnard man accused of murdering his father is competent to stand trial, a Ventura County judge ruled Tuesday.

Superior Court Judge Lawrence Storch said the trial of Jesus Garcia Jr., 31, will begin Monday as scheduled.

Garcia is accused of first-degree murder in the stabbing of his father, Jesus Garcia Sr., 49, whose body was found May 25 outside the Birch Street house where both men lived.

The younger Garcia has pleaded not guilty, but in at least two court appearances he has loudly proclaimed his guilt and asked to be sentenced immediately.

Garcia made no outburst Monday, but his attorney, Deputy Public Defender Douglas W. Daily, cited the prior incidents as reason for Storch to rule that Garcia was incompetent.

If Garcia acted up during a jury trial, Daily said, he might not get a fair trial.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Carol J. Nelson opposed a delay. She acknowledged that Garcia is mentally ill but said he is being medicated in County Jail.

She said Garcia has a right to a prompt trial.

A court-appointed psychologist said Garcia was competent while a psychiatrist also hired by the court was less certain.

Storch said Daily had not proven his client incompetent, and added:

“I have the impression regarding these outbursts, that if there’s anything aggravating him, it’s the continuing delay in these proceedings.”