Doctor: Carlos Dominguez, suspect in Davis serial stabbings, not competent to stand trial
WOODLAND – The former UC Davis student suspected of stabbing and killing two and injuring another woman was in court on Tuesday, with the hearing about answering the question: "Is Carlos Dominguez competent to stand trial?"
A doctor concluded that he is not competent, but the district attorney disagrees, so they will move forward with a trial and let a jury decide if he's competent.
Shortly after the results of the report were read, a messy-haired and safety-smock-wearing Dominguez spoke out in court unprompted.
As his defense attorney was speaking, Dominguez interrupted to say this: "I want to apologize and I want to say I'm guilty and forgive me."
Right after making that statement, the judge clarified to the court that the criminal proceedings are currently suspended while they determine competency, so Dominguez's admission of guilt has no bearing and should not be used against him.
For a week, Davis residents lived in fear not knowing who was behind the deadly stabbings.
"I would like to imagine that somebody capable of doing that is not mentally strong or healthy. But at the same time, I do believe we all need to be held accountable for things that we do," resident Stevie Allen said.
Central Park is where police found the first stabbing victim. Following the arrest of the accused serial stabber, the area has become serene again.
"I think ultimately, everyone just felt a lot of relief when the person was found," resident El Sord said.
Though a question looms over the college town: what would make someone go on a stabbing spree?
"I feel tremendously sorry for that kid who was thrown into a foreign country with no family and no way of ever being a normal human being," said a woman who asked to remain anonymous.
Dominguez will be back in court next month where a jury will determine if he is competent. If they do find him competent, it will be followed by a criminal trial.
