Despite a correct verdict in the Dominguez case, the pain goes on for the loved ones of those lost
Judge Samuel McAdam cites “overwhelming evidence” in ruling that Carlos Reales Dominguez was insane
Murder trials, where there is no question the defendant was the one who brutally ended two human lives and nearly took a third, rarely have a satisfying result.
However, Yolo Superior Court Judge Samuel McAdam rightly concluded that Carlos Reales Dominguez was legally insane three years ago when he killed Davisites David Breaux and Karim Abou Najm and seriously injured Kimberlee Guillory, using a knife in all three random attacks.
As Dominguez’s second trial unfolded in Woodland, we were fortunate to have excellent reports from the county courthouse by local journalists Lauren Keene and Darrell Smith.
Keene, in fact, may well be the best journalist in the country when it comes to covering legal criminal proceedings.
The seven-man, five-woman jury found Dominguez guilty of involuntary manslaughter, but Supervising Deputy Public Defender Dan Hutchinson, acting on Dominguez’s behalf, waived a jury trial on the sanity phase.
This left the determination of sanity solely in McAdam’s hands and he quickly concluded that “the overwhelming evidence at trial” was that Dominguez was not sane at the time of his crimes.
“It’s not difficult to reach the conclusion that the defendant was legally insane when he committed the crimes,” McAdam said.
“He had a mental disease. That was schizophrenia.”
From the outside looking in, there’s no doubt that McAdam’s ruling was sound and in complete accordance with California law.
But for those family members and friends of the three victims, their dismay at the outcome is understandable and their loss unimaginable.
No verdict and no sentence will ever bring back their loved ones or right the wrongs of Carlos Dominguez.
Keene’s all-encompassing report included statements from David Breaux’s sister, Maria Breaux, and Karim Abou Najm’s mother, Nadine Yehya.
“Finally, it’s over,” said Maria Breaux. “What a huge relief. My thoughts and heart are with David and everyone impacted. I hope the overriding lesson from this tragedy is the importance of early intervention for severe mental illness, and of treating every human being with compassion.”
Nadine Yehya said, “There are no words that can adequately express how we feel. We find it outrageous that a killer of two innocent souls might get out with only time served. We ask if the people of Davis are content with this outcome. From our end, we will continue to remember and honor our son Karim and work to keep his memory alive.”
Because he was ruled to be insane, Dominguez will not go free. At least not now, and perhaps not ever. He will soon be sent to a secure state hospital for treatment.
As the Public Defender’s office noted, “The verdicts recognize a difficult but important principle of California law that a person who, because of a severe mental illness, is legally insane at the time of the offense is not criminally responsible in the same way as someone acting with a sound mind. This trial was never an attempt to excuse what happened. It was an effort to ensure that the law accurately addressed Mr. Reales Dominguez’s intent and mental state at the time of these tragic events.”
The statement went on, “The outcome of this trial ensures that Mr. Reales Dominguez will remain confined in a secure state hospital for treatment, unless and until the law determines that he can safely be released. It reflects accountability under California’s legal framework while recognizing the devastating effects of severe and untreated mental illness.”
The case is over and judgment has been rendered.
Despite the correctness of McAdam’s ruling and the overwhelming evidence that Dominguez was insane at the time of his crimes, the pain for the loved ones of his victims endures.
There are not two sides to this story.
Only one very sad story for everyone.
I second that about Lauren Keene. She's much better than the paper she works for. I have worked with Darrell Smith, too, and he's an excellent reporter. For area crime and legal coverage, no one beats Lauren.
I place a lot of blame for these senseless and horrific deaths at the doorstep of the university. Schizophrenia is a horrible disease and the university was alerted to Dominguez’s erratic behavior and delusional thinking yet did nothing. Had they responded responsibly there is a good chance we would not be mourning such losses. I speak as someone whose sibling has lost any chance of a life to this disease - but she is institutionalized because she has family around her who cares for her; thus she is protected from trying to hurt anyone although her delusions are full of death and murder. If only Dominguez had had the support of anyone who had notice of and wherewithal to do something about his mental and emotional disintegration -well. If wishes were horses.