Garrido’s competency questioned; tabloids buy Dugard photos
By Martha Bellisle, Reno Gazette-Journal
PLACERVILLE -– The lawyer representing Phillip Garrido, charged with kidnapping Jaycee Dugard in 1991 and holding her captive for 18 years, raised concerns Friday about whether Garrido is competent to stand trial and help with his defense.
Phillip Garrido
After meeting with the attorneys and prosecutors privately before a hearing in El Dorado Superior Court, Judge Douglas Phimister told the courtroom that Garrido’s attorney, Susan Gellman “may be declaring doubt,” meaning she may file a motion questioning Garrido’s mental state.
If she does so, Phimister said the court would appoint an expert to examine Garrido to determine his competency status. He set another hearing for Oct. 1 to discuss the next step.
