Las Vegas, NV (KXNT) – A teenager charged with strangling a teacher in her classroom at El Dorado High School has been ruled competent to stand trial.
The finding for Jonathan Martinez Garcia come after an independent mental health evaluation was requested by his defense attorney. This is the second evaluation that Garcia underwent, the first being in May, after which his attorney requested a second.
The first evaluation also said he was competent.
Garcia is charged with attacking a teacher when he went to her classroom to discuss grades.
According to the arrest report, Garcia choked the teacher with what the police believe was a computer cord before he knocked her unconscious and beat her. He then allegedly sexually assaulted her.
Both doctors that evaluated Garcia found that he met the criteria to be considered competent, according to District Judge Bita Yeager.
Garcia, who’s been processed as an adult in the case, is scheduled to appear again on Wednesday. He faces 15 felony charges, including charges of attempted murder, sexual assault, and kidnapping.