DA Objects To Delaying Garrido Competency Hearing

PLACERVILLE, Calif. (AP) -- Prosecutors are objecting to a defense request to postpone the competency hearing for the Northern California man charged with kidnapping Jaycee Dugard and fathering her two children.

In legal papers posted Monday, El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson says Phillip Garrido's public defender has had enough time to prepare for the Feb. 28 hearing where a jury will decide if Garrido is mentally fit to stand trial.

Pierson called the effort to delay the proceedings "astounding" and "unconscionable."

Deputy Public Defense Susan Gellman asked last week to push back the proceedings so she can inspect evidence and consult a jury expert on whether she should try to have the hearing moved elsewhere in California because the case has attracted so much publicity.

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