When Frederick Woodard was charged with fatally stabbing a fellow transient in February, San Bernardino city leaders pointed to the case as an example why better treatment programs for the homeless were needed.
Both Woodard, 61, and the victim, 38-year-old Roy Sciortino, had histories of mental illness, officials said, and fought over a shopping cart before the stabbing under the 3rd Street overpass of Interstate 215.
Reacting to the news, San Bernardino Mayor Pat Morris said at the time that a partnership he entered into with the county only days earlier would address the underlying issues of homelessness, including mental illness, that can lead to violence.
While that partnership is still getting off the ground, Woodard's mental state recently came into play during criminal court proceedings. A San Bernardino County Superior Court judge ruled on May 15 that Woodard be committed to Patton State Hospital near Highland until his "mental competence (is) restored," according to court records.
Woodard, who is charged with murder, was ordered for treatment, even if he doesn't comply, as periodic written reports keep the court up to date on his status. Judge Michael Dest also found that antipsychotic medication was "necessary and beneficial" to the restoration of Woodard's competency, records show.
The commitment is to last no longer than 3 years, the court ruled. A status report will be heard on Aug. 27.
Deputy District Attorney Jay Robinson said that the defense raised the issue of Woodard's competency, and after a series of medical reports, the judge made the ruling. The action is not permanent, he added, and if the judge finds him competent in August, proceedings would restart at the exact point they were halted last month.
At the time of the slaying, San Bernardino police's homeless advocate officer called Woodard "a non problem" who was in the area to receive help from a mission down the street. Marci Atkins called the suspect a hard-luck transient who often showed friendliness and a desire to work. She never knew him to carry weapons.
As for his mental disorder, Atkins previously said that the last time she saw Woodard --weeks prior to the slaying -- he seemed "to have it somewhat under control."
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