Competency of murder suspect unclear
A hearing in Yuma County Superior Court for a man who allegedly stabbed his wife to death during a domestic violence dispute at their home had to be continued Thursday because his mental competency is still not known.
During what was a brief court appearance, attorney Jerry Hernandez of the Yuma County Public Defender’s Office, who represents Roberto Ortega, informed the court that he is still waiting for an update from the Yuma County jail’s restoration to competency program.
Hernandez also reminded the court that although a court-appointed psychologist deemed his client is restorable, getting him to the point where he understands the court proceedings and can help his attorney prepare a defense will be a complicated and lengthy process.
Superior Court Judge Roger Nelson informed Hernandez that he has not received the report either, and scheduled a new hearing date for Ortega for 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 24.
Ortega, who is being held on a $2 million bond, has been charged with firstdegree 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-yearold 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 on Ortega.