LAKEPORT >> William Richard Gatlyn, 27 of Lakeport, who was arrested for allegedly killing his dog with a machete, was in custody recently appearing in court and facing a charge of felony animal cruelty.
It was the consensus of the clinical staff and Director of the Jail-Based Competency Program that the defendant is now able to understand the nature of the criminal proceedings and assist counsel in the conduct of a defense in a rational manner.
Gatlyn has been admitted to the competency program at the San Bernardino County West Valley Detention on May 11. At that time questions arose as to the ability of the defendant to fully comprehend court proceedings.
During recent hearings, however, the Court received Gatlyn’s Certificate of Restoration to Mental Competence report which was received into evidence.
The criminal proceedings in this matter are reinstated. The defendant entered a plea of not guilty to all counts, denying the special allegations.
