Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

California man arraigned on murder charge in drowning death

California man arraigned on murder charge in drowning death | iNFOnews.ca
In this Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016 photo, Gerardo Mendoza appears in Sonoma County Superior Court in Santa Rosa, Calif. Mendoza was charged with murder in connection with the drowning of his 4-year-old daughter in a baptismal pool at a church last weekend. (Kent Porter/The Press Democrat via AP)

HEALDSBURG, Calif. – Authorities say a Northern California man has been charged with murder in connection with the drowning of his 4-year-old daughter in a baptismal pool at a church last weekend.

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports (http://bit.ly/2fretns ) 42-year-old Gerardo Mendoza Ordaz appeared in Sonoma County court Tuesday afternoon and was formally charged with murder and felony child abuse involving the death at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Judge Arthur Wick ordered a psychologist to evaluate the mental state of Ordaz after his lawyer raised doubts about the man’s competency.

Ordaz is scheduled to return to court Monday where Wick will decide if he is fit for further court proceedings. Police have not released a motive in the death of Maria Jose Ordaz-Chavarria.

___

This story has been corrected to give the full name of the suspect.

___

Information from: The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, http://www.pressdemocrat.com

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles