SACRAMENTO MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER AND CHILD ABUSE FOUND COMPETENT TO STAND TRIAL

Press Release

(Woodland, CA) - September 6, 2024 - On September 5, 2024, Yolo County Superior Court Judge Samuel McAdam found defendant Derrick Woods, 46, of Sacramento, competent to stand trial.

The case began in February 2021, when Woods was arrested for physically abusing his girlfriend's two children at a hotel in West Sacramento. One of the children was just over a year old and died due to her injuries. The older child, a three-year-old, was taken to the hospital for treatment. Woods was charged by the Yolo County District Attorney with murder, child abuse causing death and child abuse causing great bodily injury. In May of 2022, Woods' defense attorney told the court he did not believe Woods was competent to stand trial and criminal proceedings were suspended. Woods was evaluated and ultimately spent time at Porterville Developmental Center during the fall of 2023. In January 2024, Woods was returned to Yolo County after doctors at Porterville opined Woods had been restored to competency. The defense challenged that finding and a three-week court trial was held. In such a proceeding, the defense must overcome a presumption Woods is competent. In yesterday's ruling, the court found defense had not overcome the presumption and declared Woods now competent to stand trial. Criminal proceedings were reinstated, and the case was set for trial.

Trial is currently set for February 24, 2025, in Dept. 14 of the Yolo County Superior Court. Woods remains in custody at the Yolo County Jail on no bail.

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