A mental competency evaluation was ordered Wednesday for a man accused of killing his mother and assaulting his older brother at a home in unincorporated El Cajon last spring.
Erik Enrique Margain, 35, is charged with murder in the May 17 death of 63-year-old Martha Margain-Velarde and attempted murder for allegedly attacking his 37-year-old sibling.
The defendant’s attorney told a judge today that he doubted whether Margain was mentally competent to stand trial. Margain will be examined by doctors and will return to court Dec. 18.
Deputies responding to a report of an assault in the 1900 block of Hidden Crest Drive shortly after 5 p.m. on May 17 found the defendant’s mother suffering from severe injuries, according to sheriff’s officials. Medics took her to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Before fleeing, the defendant allegedly attacked and seriously injured his 37-year-old brother, who was able to escape and make an emergency call, homicide Lt. John Maryon said.
Detectives tracked down the defendant in the 1500 block of Gustavo Street, about a half-mile north of the site of the assaults, and arrested him. Authorities have released no suspected motive for the assaults.
— City News Service
