Suspect in Slaying Will Remain in Custody
A 45-year-old man who shot and killed a San Pedro man and his young nephew at Morro Strand State Beach three years ago will remain in custody at Atascadero State Hospital.
San Luis Obispo County Superior Court Judge Michael Duffy ruled this week that Stephen A. Deflaun will remain in custody indefinitely unless he is deemed mentally competent to stand trial.
But hospital officials say they have seen no progress in Deflaun’s mental state.
Deflaun allegedly shot Stephen D. Wells, 37, of San Pedro and his nephew Jerry Rios Jr., 11, after a dispute over a camping spot on July 9, 2001.
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