People v. Williams

[524]

PEEK, J.

The defendant was found guilty of burglary and attempted car theft following a trial by a jury which lasted less than one day. After the verdict was received, the trial court excused the jury and suspended further proceedings because, as the judge stated, “. . . I am not satisfied in my own mind as to the mentality of the defendant. For that reason, I am going to appoint two psychiatrists for a further examination. ’ ’ Within five days, Williams was examined by the two psychiatrists appointed. Their report stated in part: “The history and examination would indicate that the defendant is suffering from a very definite mental illness, probably of some duration, and is of the paranoid type. This is of such severity that it interferes with his ability to accurately appraise his present situation and the events leading up to his arrest and trial. The gross delusional content of his thinking is of such severity that he is not legally sane at this time.” The report concluded: “ It is the opinion of the examiners that the defendant is legally insane at this time and that he is in need of care and treatment ...” and recommended that he be committed to the Atascadero State Hospital.

In accordance with the recommendation, and after a trial on the issue, Williams was committed to Atascadero State Hospital. More than two years thereafter, defendant was certified back to Merced County as a sane person and the trial proceedings continued before the Honorable Ranee Siseho, rather than the Honorable Gregory Maushart, who had presided during the actual trial. Williams, through his then counsel, moved for a new trial on the ground that he was insane during the time of trial and hence, was tried in violation of section 1367 of the Penal Code. His motion was denied and judgment was entered. He now appeals from the order of the court-denying his motion for a new trial and from the judgment.

Although the sufficiency of the evidence to support the verdict is not challenged, we feel compelled to note that the actions of the defendant leading up to his arrest, his comments during the course of the trial, and his testimony in his own behalf can only be described as so completely incoherent and irrational as to lead to but one conclusion: that defendant had little, if any, touch with reality and quite obviously was •unable to assist counsel in his defense.