Man Ruled Unable to Stand Trial in Slayings

Jorjik Avanesian is mentally ill and currently unable to stand trial for setting an apartment fire that killed his wife and six children, a judge ruled Tuesday.

Pasadena Superior Court Judge Janice Claire Croft ordered Avanesian, 41, to a state mental hospital for 90 days for further evaluation. He will be held until he is judged fit for trial. Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty.

“Mr. Avanesian is not competent at this time to stand trial,” Croft said. “He is not able to assist his attorney.”

As Croft announced her decision, Avanesian became upset and began yelling. In broken English, he criticized his defense lawyer, Stanley Perlo, and Deputy Dist. Atty. Kevin McCormick.

“My lawyer is no good!” Avanesian shouted. “McCormick is liar!”

Avanesian, who has ignored Perlo and interpreters and tried to speak directly to the judge during past hearings, could be heard shouting even after a bailiff removed him from the courtroom.

In making her ruling, Croft said that because of mental illness Avanesian is unable to understand the court proceedings related to the charges against him. She said her decision was based on reports of evaluations of two psychiatrists, which she ordered sealed, citing possible prejudice to Avanesian if and when he goes on trial.

Avanesian faces seven counts of murder and one count of arson for allegedly setting a fire Feb. 6 that killed his wife, Turan, 37, and their six children, ages 4 to 17. He pleaded not guilty but has remained in custody.

Authorities say that Avanesian, an Armenian Iranian immigrant who came to California in October, at first admitted intentionally setting his family’s Glendale apartment ablaze with gasoline out of anger toward his wife.

McCormick agreed with the judge’s decision, saying, “It’s not right to seek prosecution of someone who’s unable to understand what’s going on.”

Perlo, a deputy public defender, agreed that his client was not ready to participate in any criminal proceedings.

Perlo said the decision has not been made on whether to use an insanity defense. The state hospital is expected to provide treatment and evaluation as necessary, he said.