A 21-year-old Santa Rosa man charged with stabbing his father to death was in court Tuesday after jail officials accused him of throwing a pill at a correctional deputy.
Houston Herczog, who is being evaluated for mental competence, was shackled to a wheelchair and stared at his lap as lawyers discussed the pending misdemeanor battery charge.
He's accused of refusing to take his medication Friday and tossing a pill at a deputy, said his lawyer, Karen Silver.
Prosecutors have yet to file the new charge because all criminal proceedings have been suspended while another forensic psychologist evaluates his mental health.
The first doctor concluded that Herczog was able to assist in his own defense. Findings from the second report could be revealed at his next hearing on April 19.
If he's deemed competent, prosecutors will pursue their case against him. His lawyer seeks mental health treatment instead.
Herczog has been in a special holding cell for people suspected of being suicidal, Silver said.
He is charged with murder in the Nov. 21 attack on his father, Mark Herczog, 63, who was stabbed more than 50 times in their Rincon Valley home. He has pleaded not guilty.
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