The criminal case tied to Lafayette’s shocking March homicide hit a major procedural pause Monday after a Contra Costa County judge suspended proceedings and set the matter for a competency-related hearing on Tuesday, April 21.
According to Patch, the pause came after defense counsel raised doubts about whether defendant David Swank Prince is competent to stand trial. Judge Terri Mockler then halted the case and scheduled the next hearing so the court can appoint a doctor to evaluate Prince’s mental condition. (Patch)
Prince, 35, is charged in the killing of 34-year-old Christopher Jaber, who authorities say was attacked with a hatchet at a Lafayette property on March 21. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office previously said the killing appeared to be a “targeted act,” though investigators were still working to determine motive and whether Prince and Jaber knew each other…