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Uploaded: Wednesday, February 6, 2013, 2:06 PM                                             

Arastradero arson suspect deemed unfit for trial  

by Eric Van Susteren
Palo Alto Weekly Staff

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Damon Luce, the man accused of setting several fires at the Arastradero Preserve in Palo Alto, was found mentally unfit to stand trial after a doctor's testimony Feb. 6.

Proceedings against him will be suspended while Luce is sent to a state psychiatric facility to restore his competency until he is fit to stand trial. Duffy McGilligan, Santa Clara County deputy district attorney, said Luce could be in the facility for as long as three years.

Luce allegedly set five fires in the Arastradero Preserve on Aug. 8, 2012. He was charged with five counts of felony arson.

McGilligan said the testifying doctor evaluated Luce as having a psychotic disorder not specified. The court's finding meant that Luce was of a mental state in which he was either unable to understand the nature of the proceedings against him or unable to rationally assist in his defense.

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Comments

Posted by Time-For-A-Change, a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2013 at 3:29 pm

All of this mainlining of the "mentally ill" is really coming into question--with most mass shootings, and arsons, being caused by people claiming to be "mentally ill".

And it doesn't stop with ordinary people, as this case of a Chicago Judge who has managed to walk on a physical assault charge--

Chicago Judge found not guilty on battery charge by reason of insanity:

Web Link

And now this crazy judge wants her job back!

People are concerned about these "crazies" getting guns. What about driver's licenses, and matches?

Posted by Anon., a resident of the Crescent Park neighborhood, on Feb 8, 2013 at 2:28 am

> What about driver's licenses, and matches?

I suggest a background check and a limit on the size of match books ... I think that will do the trick! ;-)
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