People v. Howard

195 N.W.2d 289, 37 Mich. App. 662, 1972 Mich. App. LEXIS 1745

• Court: Michigan Court of Appeals
• Decided: January 19, 1972
• Docket: 10637
• Status: Published

Opinion

37 Mich. App. 662 (1972) 195 N.W.2d 289

PEOPLE
v.
HOWARD

Docket No. 10637.

Michigan Court of Appeals.

Decided January 19, 1972.

Frank J. Kelley, Attorney General, Robert A. Derengoski, Solicitor General, George E. Thick, II, Prosecuting Attorney, and Roy De Gesero, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, for the people.

Brisbois, Sturtz & LaDue, for defendant.

Before: R.B. BURNS, P.J., and FITZGERALD and V.J. BRENNAN, JJ.

V.J. BRENNAN, J.

Defendant was convicted by a jury of two counts of first-degree murder (MCLA 750.316; MSA 28.548). Prior to his trial, defendant's attorneys moved to have him committed in order that his competency to stand trial be determined as provided by GCR 1963, 786.3. The court originally ordered such a commitment, but subsequently amended its order to provide that defendant be examined by a local clinical psychologist, the purpose being to determine whether commitment to a diagnostic facility was necessary to determine defendant's competency.

We feel the judge's actions in this regard were erroneous and reversible. The court rule (GCR 1963, 786.3) is mandatory. Whenever there is any question as to a defendant's competency to stand trial, and that question is raised upon defendant's motion, the court "shall" order the defendant committed to a diagnostic facility. People v Ledbetter, 31 Mich App 160 (1971).

Reversed and remanded for commitment to a diagnostic institution and for a new trial.

All concurred.