Man Accused in Peninsula Point-Blank Shooting of Complete Strangers Committed to Mental Institution

REDWOOD CITY, CA – A North Carolina man who shot two people in the face outside their La Honda home earlier this year for no apparent reason, was committed to a state mental health institution Tuesday by a San Mateo County judge.

Bernard Hafler, 36, was committed to Napa State Hospital for no more than three years, after doctors had previously determined he was not competent to stand trial, prosecutors said.

Hafler was charged with two counts of attempted murder with a gun, one count of residential burglary and one count of vehicle theft. If convicted, he could potentially face life prison, according to prosecutors.

Hafler's case was continued to Jan. 13 for a status conference to confirm that he's been placed at the hospital, prosecutors said.

On March 12, Hafler shot two men in the face and left them with critical injuries after breaking into their home, located near Mindego Hill and Alpine roads, according to prosecutors.

The 75-year-old homeowner encountered Hafler as he was leaving the man's house around 7:15 a.m. The homeowner, who did not know Hafler, then confronted him, prompting Hafler to shoot the man in the head and chest, prosecutors said.

When a tenant who lived in a back cottage ran out to see what had happened, Hafler fired several shots at the 53-year-old tenant, striking him in the head and chest as well.

Hafler then drove away in the homeowner's 2006 Jaguar station wagon, according to prosecutors.

The victims were taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, but survived.

The station wagon was found abandoned two days later at the Daly City BART station, prosecutors said.

About four days after the initial crime, a Pacifica police officer spotted Hafler walking along state Highway 1, south of Manor Drive. When the officer tried to stop him, the two got into a struggle.

During the fight, the two tumbled down an embankment together and Hafler fired a single shot, missing the officer. The officer disarmed Hafler and arrested him.

Hafler and the officer were both taken to a hospital and treated for minor injuries. After he was treated for the injuries, Hafler was booked into Maguire Correctional Facility in Redwood City.

"I'm glad he's going to get treatment. He would not survive prison given his severe mental condition," Hafler's defense attorney Sam Giammona said. "Now he's going to get the treatment and medication he needs."

– By Bay City News Service / Image via Shutterstock