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Orange County DA Warns 12 Incompetent-to-Stand-Trial Defendants Could Be Freed Without Locked Beds

State law caps competency treatment at two years, leaving counties to secure locked placements or release defendants.

Overview

  • Two defendants, Manvir Sandher and Derrick Riehl, reach a statutory deadline on Friday, with a judge to weigh bed availability and potential release.
  • The District Attorney says up to 12 defendants could be released within two months unless the county finds licensed, locked treatment placements.
  • The Orange County Health Care Agency called the DA’s release incomplete and described the situation as dynamic, with more details expected Friday.
  • Ivan Dimov, accused of killing Kyle Boyd Avila with a hatchet, could face release on December 19 if no appropriate placement is found.
  • DA Todd Spitzer urged a special Board of Supervisors hearing and stronger Public Guardian advocacy, while Vice Chair Katrina Foley said the DA can seek a 90-day hold and noted 25 recent placements.