AUSTIN (KXAN) — Deepak Kandel, who police charged with the May 14 murder of health tech entrepreneur Akshay Gupta, has been deemed incompetent to stand trial and committed to an appropriate “mental health facility or residential care facility,” according to Travis County court documents.
The stabbing – which police said happened “without provocation” — occurred on a CapMetro bus near South Lamar Boulevard and Barton Springs Road. According to Kandel’s affidavit, he admitted to the shooting and told police he stabbed Gupta because he looked like his uncle, who had died previously.
Gupta’s brother Ankur described him as a “one in 1,000 person,” highlighting his work ethic, charisma and kindness. Gupta was developing technology to help senior citizens with walking and balance.
CapMetro stabbing victim’s family shares concerns about suspect’s criminal history
Kandel was experiencing homelessness, according to APD, and court records show a history of court-ordered mental health evaluations. You can read more on the suspect’s criminal history in our previous coverage here.
Kandel’s attorney, Alexander Calhoun, told KXAN in an email that his client “has a long history of serious mental illness, which will be relevant to all aspects of his case.”
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On July 29, Calhoun filed a motion to have Kandel examined by an expert. The record stated, “information has come to said attorney which raises the question of whether the defendant is mentally competent to stand trial at this time.”…