A report from Central State Hospital this month states a deaf and mute man who allegedly killed a 16-year-old girl in 2005 remains incompetent to stand trial.
The April 19 report states Oswaldo Martinez, 46, is “unrestorably” incompetent and doctors expect that to “continue indefinitely,” defense attorney Tim Clancy said Monday.
The report was prepared by a doctor at Central State Hospital, in Petersburg, ahead of a check status hearing for Martinez Monday afternoon in the Williamsburg-James City County Circuit Court.
Martinez, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, is accused of raping and murdering 16-year-old Brittany Binger on Jan. 2, 2005, according to court documents. He is charged with capital murder.
Martinez cannot speak any language, including American Sign Language, and has been in both jail and psychiatric facilities since his February 2005 arrest. He has not been able to learn enough ASL to understand the legal proceedings against him, Commonwealth’s Attorney Nate Green has said at previous court hearings.
Judge William H. Shaw wrote a letter of opinion for the case March 24, and stated in court Monday that Martinez remains incompetent to stand trial and will remain in treatment as he is currently.
Clancy said the letter leaves no ability to directly appeal the judge’s decision to keep Martinez institutionalized until he’s found competent to stand trial.
Clancy filed a motion in response to the judge’s letter, requesting he reconsider and give a definitive opinion on what the next steps for Martinez would be if he cannot stand trial.
Shaw agreed to write a response to Clancy’s motion within 21 days.
Green said Martinez “continues to act out sexually” at Central State and is a danger to himself and others.
Binger’s close childhood friend, Leslie Chambers, 28, was also present for the court hearing. Chambers has gone to many of Martinez’s court hearings over the last 12 years.
“Twelve years later and I’m still here in this courthouse,” Chambers said, adding that the case would “never really be over,” whether there is a trial or not.
Martinez’s next check status court appearance is scheduled for Oct 23 at 1 p.m.
WYDaily archives were used in this story.
Fearing may be reached at sarah.f@localvoicemedia.com.
