Man Ruled Competent to Be Tried for Murder
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A Sonoma County judge ruled this week that Eric Silk Hoaglin was mentally competent to stand trial in the slaying of a cabdriver in Santa Rosa in November.
Hoaglin, 32, has pleaded not guilty in the killing of A.C. Taxi driver Daniel I. Newell, 49. Hoaglin is being held without bail in Sonoma County Jail.
Last month, Judge Robert Dale appointed a psychiatrist to examine Hoaglin after his attorney, Harry Allen, claimed that Hoaglin appeared unfit to stand trial.
Hoaglin has a history of mental problems, Allen said.
The judge set a preliminary hearing for March 8. Hoaglin could be sentenced to life in prison if he is convicted of the killing.
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