A judge on Jan. 23 found a Midway area murder suspect mentally competent to stand trial in the Oct. 29, 2018 slaying of a clerk at an adult bookstore. Shaun Douglas Ward, 39, is accused of fatally stabbing Diane Spaguolo, 65, on Oct. 29 at the X-Spot adult bookstore at 3600 Midway Drive.
San Diego Superior Court Judge Cindy Davis read the psychiatric evaluation of Ward that was prepared by a psychologist who visited Ward in jail. The psychiatric evaluation is not public record.
Davis set a Feb. 15 preliminary hearing for Ward, who has pleaded not guilty.
Ward gave the silent treatment to his attorney and court officials on Nov. 2 by refusing to talk or say anything in response to questions. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf since he would not say a word in court or give his name.
Spagnuolo was apparently killed in a robbery, according to her family. Someone walked into the store at 1:45 p.m. and called 911 after finding Spagnuolo with trauma to her upper body.
Ward remains in jail without bail.