FRESNO, Calif. — A homeless man charged in the beating of an 82-year-old Sikh man outside a Fresno Sikh temple will be sent to a mental hospital until he is determined to be legally competent to stand trial.
According to The Fresno Bee reports, a judge made the decision this week after doctors concluded that 30-year-old Gilbert Garcia Jr. is unable to assist in his defense to charges of attempted murder and elder abuse.While at Atascadero State Hospital Garcia will be required to take anti-psychotic medication. He will remain at the hospital until he is competent to stand trial, but his stay can be no longer than 15 years.
Investigators say Garcia attacked Piara Singh with a pipe outside the Nanaksar Sikh Temple in May. Singh was hospitalized with head wounds, broken bones and ribs.
Police have called it a hate crime
Source: Modesto Bee