Criminal proceedings were suspended March 27 against a deckhand accused of stabbing another while on board the fishing vessel Alaska.
The lawyer for defendant Robert David Legerrette said he doubted his client was mentally competent to stand trial and a judge has ordered psychologists to examine Legerrette while he is in custody.
Legerrette, 69, was facing an April 15 trial but will now undergo a mental competency May 15 in San Diego Superior Court. If a judge finds Legerrette is not mentally competent, he will be sent to a state mental hospital for treatment. Legerrette could be returned to court if a judge finds Legerrette has regained his ability to understand court proceedings.
Legerrette is accused of attempted murder and assault. He is charged with stabbing David Cunningham, 52, around 6 a.m. Aug. 11. The vessel was moored at 750 North Harbor Drive at the time of the incident.
Cunningham testified against Legerrette during a preliminary hearing in November when Legerrette was ordered to stand trial on all charges.
The prosecutor said there is no known motive in the stabbing. Legerrette is also accused of being under the influence of Vicodin, codeine and morphine at the time, according to court records.
Legerrette remains in the George F. Bailey Detention Facility on $500,000 bail.