Mental competence of man in Fresno city employee attack questioned

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The man accused of attacking an employee with the City of Fresno has had his case pushed back after the defense argued that he is not mentally competent to stand trial, court officials confirmed Wednesday.

According to officials at Wednesday’s arraignment, 30-year-old Dyllan James Padavona of Fresno did not enter a plea over doubts about his mental competency. Instead, the judge allowed a mental assessment to go ahead.

Court officials report those doubts are based on Padavona’s appearance, emotional status, and prior conversations with his attorney in a different case on Tuesday. As a result, officials report the next steps will be discussed at the May 21 Findings Hearing inside Fresno County Superior Court.

According to the Fresno County District Attorney, Padavona is accused of attacking a Fresno Public Works employee, 56-year-old Timothy Smith, as Smith was working in Downtown Fresno.

The DA says if Padavona is convicted of all charges and enhancements, including one count of attempted, deliberate, and premeditated murder, he could face 12 years to life in state prison. He is being held without bail.

Smith remains in critical condition following the incident; anyone who would like to provide support to his family can donate to his GoFundMe.