A Riverside man accused of fatally stabbing his father during a confrontation at the senior’s home has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine whether he’s mentally competent.
David Estevan Rendon, 36, was arrested Saturday following a Riverside Police Department investigation into the slaying of 74-year-old Crispin Rendon.
David Rendon was charged Wednesday with murder and a sentence-enhancing allegation of using a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony. He made his initial court appearance before Riverside County Superior Court Judge Juan Dominguez, who appointed him a public defender and set his formal arraignment for Thursday at the Riverside Hall of Justice.
During that hearing, the judge found there were reasonable grounds to refer the matter to the county Department of Behavioral Health, whose psychologists will examine the defendant.
Dominguez scheduled a mental competency hearing for Nov. 17. Rendon is being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Robert Presley Jail.
According to police spokesman Officer Ryan Railsback, shortly after 4 p.m. Saturday, there was an unspecified confrontation between the defendant and his father in the latter’s house in the 3400 block of Bahia Place, near Watkins Drive, just north of UC Riverside.
“The preliminary investigation indicates the suspect may have been experiencing a mental health crisis when he attacked and stabbed Mr. Rendon multiple times,” Railsback said.
Patrol officers and paramedics were called to the property and discovered the victim lying in the driveway, mortally wounded. He was taken to Riverside Community Hospital, where he died that evening.
David Rendon barricaded himself inside the house, refusing officers’ commands to surrender over a two-hour span, according to Railsback.
“He eventually gave up to SWAT officers and was safely taken into custody,” the police spokesman said.
No one was injured during the standoff and arrest.
Rendon has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.
Prayers for the family. Waiting for investigation. Elder abuse is ongoing issue. CA bill, family or someone taking care of someone that is costing too much time and money can be put down like a dog. Prayers 🙏 🙏