SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - A mental competency trial began Monday for a man accused in a triple murder at the Mission Valley mall on Christmas Eve of 2013.
Carlo Mercado is charged in the deaths of brothers Salvatore and Gianni Belvedere as well as Ilona Flint.
Doctors at Patton State Hospital have found him competent to stand trial but Mercado’s lawyers requested the competency trial.
On Monday, a psychiatrist from the San Diego Central Jail testified that Mercado seems to understand what is going on and is able to communicate his needs to the staff.
“He's doing well on the unit. He's taking his medication. He's cooperating with the directions from the deputy and the nurses,” said a doctor.
The competency trial will continue Tuesday.
