La Mesa Man Deemed Mentally Incompetent, Being Sent to State Hospital

A 82-year-old man charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting his wife of 54 years after she served him with divorce papers is mentally incompetent to stand trial and will be sent to a state hospital for treatment, a judge ruled today.

After reviewing a doctor's reports, Judge Yvonne Campos found that Clyde Hayen was not mentally competent and should be sent to Patton State Hospital for up to three years, or until his competency is restored.

Campos ruled that Hayen should be involuntary medicated with anti- psychotic drugs.

Hayen allegedly opened fire inside the home he and his wife shared in the 7300 block of Princeton Avenue in La Mesa about 11:15 p.m. last June 20.

The 73-year-old victim was treated for gunshot wounds to her abdomen and one of her hands, said La Mesa police Lt. Matt Nicholass.

Hayen was bound over for trial after a preliminary hearing in August, then a mental competency evaluation was ordered to see if he understands the charges against him and can assist his attorney at trial.

Criminal proceedings will remain suspended pending further review of Hayen's mental competency.

—City News Service