Criminal Case Against Fresno Driver Accused of Manslaughter Suspended Over Mental Competency Concerns

The criminal case against Daniel Phillips, a Fresno driver accused of running a red light and killing a 72-year-old man, has been suspended due to concerns about his mental competency. Phillips pleaded not guilty to charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, hit and run resulting in permanent injury or death, and reckless driving.

During the arraignment, Phillips' attorneys, Mark Coleman and Paul Caprioglio, requested that he be evaluated by a court-appointed psychiatrist after expressing doubts about his mental competency. Judge Jon Kapetan also ordered the evaluation, but expressed some hesitancy, stating that he believed there may be "malingering" involved. Phillips is due back in court on April 5, and if convicted of all charges, he could face a maximum of 13 years in prison.