Murder suspect awaits mental competency test results
The mental competency of a Yuma man who allegedly stabbed his wife to death during a domestic violence dispute at their home last year is still in question, and needs to be resolved before the case can proceed, according to his attorney.
During what was a brief court appearance on Thursday, attorney Jerry Hernandez of the Yuma County Public Defender’s Office, who represents Roberto Ortega, informed the court that he is still waiting for a final report from a court-appointed physician who was evaluating whether his client was competent to stand trial.
As such, Hernandez requested a continuance in the hearing, adding that based on his client’s original diagnosis, it may take some time before that final report is received.
Superior Court Judge Roger Nelson, who is presiding over the case, informed Hernandez that he has not received the report either, and scheduled a new hearing date for Ortega for 8:30 a.m. on May 25.
Once the court receives the report the prosecution will also have an opportunity to review it as well. If Ortega is found to be competent — meaning that he is able to understand what is happening in court and able to assist in his own defense — he would stand trial for his crimes.
Ortega, who is being held on a $2 million bond, has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated assault on a peace officer, and aggravated assault on a peace officer-attempt to control firearm and resisting arrest, in the Aug. 27 stabbing death of his wife during a domestic dispute.
He was arrested at his residence in the 1400 block of West 12th Lane after he reportedly attacked a Yuma police officer, who had to shoot him with a stun gun to subdue him.
Officers were initially dispatched to Ortega’s residence at approximately 3:20 p.m. in response to a 911 call reporting a domestic dispute at his home.
When officers arrived on scene they found 36-year-old Lanika Ortega, who had been stabbed, lying in the driveway of the residence. She was transported by ambulance to Yuma Regional Medical Center, but later died of her injuries.
Moments after officers found Lanika Ortega in the driveway, her husband, Roberto Ortega, allegedly came out of his home and attacked one of the officers on scene.
The officer was able to get to his stun gun and used it to shoot Ortega. Once restrained, Ortega was taken into custody and booked into the Yuma County jail. The officer was uninjured.
In January, the court appointed Scottsdale-based Dr. Ronald Segal to conduct a mental competency evaluation Ortega.
James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@ yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.