Crime & Safety
Hayward Man's Competency Exam May Take 10 Weeks: DA
The suspect in last week's horrific killing of a 27-year-old Peninsula woman has a history of mental health issues, his attorney said.
HAYWARD, CA — The arraignment of a Hayward man accused of brutally killing his ex-girlfriend in San Carlos was postponed Monday after his attorney called for an examination of whether he is fit to stand trial.
Jose Rafael Solano Landaeta, 33, allegedly attacked San Carlos resident Karina Castro, 27, during an argument Thursday around 11:40 a.m. near the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Laurel Street.
Solano Landaeta allegedly slashed Castro "numerous times" with a samurai sword in front of multiple witnesses and nearly beheaded her before walking away and placing the bloody sword in his vehicle nearby, according to the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office.
Find out what's happening in Castro Valleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Deputies with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office received reports of the attack around 11:50 a.m. and found Castro dead at the scene when they arrived.
A pair of doctors were appointed to report on Solano Landaeta's competency, which could take up to 10 weeks, according to the district attorney's office. Solano Landaeta's attorney argued he has a history of mental health issues.
Find out what's happening in Castro Valleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Castro is the mother of two children, aged 7 years and 18 months. Solano Landaeta is the father of the younger child, according to the district attorney's office.
Solano Landaeta remains in custody without bail and is subject to a criminal restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the two children.
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