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NEWS > CRIME, FIRE & COURTS


Hospital's evaluation of accused murderer delays hearing
Oct 30, 2009
 By Colin McConville

Samuel Turner is scheduled to be back in court in January.
HOLLISTER

The man accused of murdering Elizabeth Esther Gomez in 2007 had been scheduled for a court appearance Thursday but had it delayed until January because a hospital's evaluation of him was not finished.

Samuel L. Turner, 27, was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the strangulation and stabbing of 31-year-old Gomez in March 2007.

He was scheduled to be in court today but Atascadero State Hospital's evaluation of Turner was not complete.

"He was referred to Atascadero State Hospital for evaluation," said Turner's attorney Harry Damkar. "At this point in time, the evaluation has not been completed."

Turner was referred to the Conditional Release Program (CONREP) in early August at the state hospital for a comprehensive social and psychiatric analysis to determine the best approach to restore his competency back to a level where he can assist his attorney.

The plan to restore Turner's competency could include hospitalization or medication. Any new hearings will have to wait until a later date to "allow the state hospital ... an opportunity to issue a report to (Judge Steven Sanders)," Damkar said.

The next scheduled court date is at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 7 at the San Benito County courthouse.

Colin McConville
Colin McConville is a reporter with the Hollister Free Lance. You can reach him by email or at (831) 637-5566.

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