DAVIS, Calif. — The former UC Davis student accused of stabbing three people earlier this year is set to return to court next week. Carlos Dominguez, 21, has been receiving treatment at a state hospital for the past few months, and it has been reported that he is now competent to stand trial. This news has prompted the Yolo County court to prepare for the resumption of the murder trials.
The community is still reeling from the tragic stabbings that claimed the lives of David Breaux, 50, and college student Karim Abou Najm, 20, as well as leaving a third victim, Kimberly Guillory, with stab wounds. Breaux, also known as “the compassion guy,” was well-loved for his genuine interest in people’s compassion. To honor his memory, the city dedicated a unique mosaic stone bench to him at 3rd and C streets in downtown Davis.
Eight months on, the residents of Davis are still struggling to comprehend the senseless killings. Josh Jones, who knew Breaux well, expressed his disbelief, stating, “He was a nice person. No one deserves that, nobody did.” Meanwhile, concerns about safety pervade the community, with one resident admitting, “It was horrific to hear all these incidents. I walk all these parks and I was pretty scared about it.”
Dominguez’s competency trial in July sought to determine his mental ability to stand trial. His attorneys cited a schizophrenic break he experienced the previous spring. After the trial, Dominguez was sent to a state hospital, and this week, the court received a report from the hospital indicating that he has been restored to competency.
Despite differing opinions on Dominguez’s mental stability, the criminal proceedings are expected to move forward, with his next court appearance scheduled for January 5th. As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of these tragic events, the prospect of justice being served is a source of both hope and apprehension.