Accused Cardinal Newman High School vandal found mentally competent to stand trial

A doctor’s report concludes a Guerneville man accused of vandalizing Cardinal Newman High School causing $100,000 in damage is mentally competent to stand trial, a judge said Wednesday.

Andrew Faulkner, 23, is being held in the Dec. 19 incident at the north Santa Rosa Catholic school in which doors and windows were broken and at least one religious statue defaced. He underwent a psychological evaluation after making bizarre statements at his first court appearance, including blurting out that he was Satan.

But after a review, Sonoma psychiatrist Robbin Broadman deemed him to be mentally fit, Judge Robert LaForge said. Among the charges are that Faulkner was under the influence of methamphetamine.

Faulkner’s lawyer from the Public Defender’s Office announced Wednesday she would challenge the doctor’s findings. A hearing was set for Friday before Judge Jamie Thistlethwaite. Criminal proceedings remain suspended until after the judge makes any ruling.

Deputies said Faulkner went on an after-hours rampage on the 624-student campus, destroying computers and equipment and leaving debris strewn throughout the administrative offices. He was arrested the same day after deputies found him inside a school building. His motive was unknown. Prosecutors said he faces five years in jail if convicted felony vandalism of religious property and the drug charge.