People v. Walker CA1/3

background, and recite only those facts necessary to resolve the issues before us. (People v. Walker (Mar. 11, 2024, A167667) [nonpub. opn.].)

2 Hearing on Walker’s Capacity to Waive Jury Trial Before trial, the court ordered Dr. Robert Wagner—who had prepared a forensic evaluation supporting the petition—to evaluate Walker’s mental capacity to make a knowing and voluntary waiver of his right to a trial by jury. The court held a hearing on the matter in mid-April 2023, with Walker appearing remotely. At the outset of the hearing, defense counsel asked the court to take judicial notice of the proceedings in the February 2023 jury trial. The court granted the request, noting it had presided over that trial and observed all the proceedings, including Walker’s demeanor. Dr. Wagner testified as an expert in psychology. Dr. Wagner reaffirmed his prior diagnosis that Walker had a severe mental health disorder in the form of schizophrenia, which was not in remission. Walker’s symptoms included auditory hallucinations, delusions, disorganized behavior, disorganized thinking, paranoia, and isolating. Dr. Wagner noted that “most of the time,” Walker did not think logically. Further,…