LAKEPORT >> The Lakeport man, William Richard Gatlyn, 27, who was arrested for allegedly killing his dog with a machete, appeared in Lake County Superior Court and faced a charge of felony animal cruelty.
During Gatlyn’s Plea Entry Hearing last December, doubt of the defendant’s mental competency had been declared as Gatlyn was unable to understand the criminal proceedings in a rational manner. The court found there was substantial evidence that Gatlyn may be mentally incompetent.
Gatlyn was present in court with his Defense Attorney Mitchell Hauptman as Judge Stephen Hedstrom presided over the “If Transported to State Hospital/JBCT (Jail-Based Competency Treatment) program.”
Department of State Hospitals Attorney Paula Riese informed the court that the defendant is approved for admission and is now first on the waitlist for the JBCT Program.
Gatlyn had previously been number 80 on the waitlist.
There was no objection by the people or the defense for the Gatlyn to be referred to the JBCT Program in San Bernardino at the West Valley Detention Center.
Prelim tomorrow in vehicular manslaughter case
Jeremy Michael Isom will appear in court Wednesday as trial begins in a vehicular manslaughter case.
In November Isom entered not guilty pleas to all counts. The 20-year-old faces three charges related to manslaughter and two alleging driving while intoxicated for an October 2016 accident that caused fatal injuries to a passenger.
Judge Andrew Blum presided over the master calendar call hearing as the court found good cause to continue this matter. The court is still awaiting receipt of extensive reports from the Califronia Highway Patrol.
The incident occurred on Morgan Valley Road just west of Bonham Road. According to CHP officer Glen Thomas, Isom was driving east on Morgan Valley when he allowed the vehicle, a 2006 Toyota Tacoma, to drift across the lane. When he attempted to yank the SUV back, it toppled and began to roll.
Isom was treated for abrasions before being placed into custody. Two passengers also suffered minor injuries. A third, however, died as a result of the accident.
Attempted murder case continued to June
Elysia Raylene Sandoval was in custody, appearing in court with her Defense Attorney, Anakalia Sullivan, for a preliminary setting hearing. Judge Stephen Hedstrom presided over the matter.
Sandoval has pled not guilty to the charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.
The charges stem from an incident last December when a Lakeport police investigation revealed her alleged involvement in a stabbing incident near Library Park.
This case had previously been set for an April 19th Jury Trial. It will now advance to a long cause preliminary hearing on June 28.
