Lake Elsinore, California – Prosecutors in Riverside County say a man charged with murdering a sheriff’s deputy is deliberately pretending to be mentally incompetent in an effort to avoid facing the most severe punishment under California law.
Charges and potential punishment
Jesse Ceazar Navarro, 45, is charged with the murder of Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Darnell Calhoun, 30, along with discharging a firearm from a vehicle with intent to kill. Because prosecutors allege that Navarro intentionally killed a peace officer while the deputy was performing official duties, special circumstances apply, making Navarro eligible for the death penalty, according to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors argue that rather than accepting responsibility, Navarro is attempting to manipulate the legal system by claiming he is not mentally competent to stand trial.
Prosecutors allege deliberate manipulation
During opening statements in Navarro’s mental competency proceedings, Deputy District Attorney Marcus Garrett accused the defendant of actively pretending to be mentally impaired.
“The defendant is trying to manipulate the justice system,” Garrett told the court, adding that Navarro has demonstrated an ability to multi-task, retain information, and understand legal proceedings.
Garrett referenced the findings of a forensic psychologist who evaluated Navarro and concluded that he is currently competent to stand trial. According to the assessment, Navarro is capable of understanding the charges against him and assisting in his defense.
Jailhouse conversation raises suspicion
Prosecutors also pointed to an alleged jailhouse conversation between Navarro and his wife, which they argue reveals intentional deception. In that recorded exchange, Navarro allegedly said, “Everything is going according to our plan,” a statement prosecutors say suggests a coordinated effort to feign mental incompetence.
The prosecution argues that this conversation undermines the defense’s claim that Navarro is unable to comprehend his legal situation or communicate effectively with counsel.
Defense claims mental impairment
Navarro’s defense team disputes the prosecution’s characterization, maintaining that he suffers from genuine mental deficiencies that interfere with communication and understanding. Defense attorneys have suggested his condition may be linked to bullet fragments lodged in his head, reportedly from a previous incident.
Last year, the judge overseeing the case determined there were sufficient grounds to move forward with a formal mental competency trial, allowing both sides to present expert testimony regarding Navarro’s mental state.
Details of the deadly shooting
The shooting occurred on January 13, 2023, at a residence in the 18500 block of Hilldale Lane in Lake Elsinore. Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of domestic violence at the home.
Deputy Darnell Calhoun was the first officer to arrive on scene. Authorities say that moments after Calhoun arrived, Navarro opened fire, striking the deputy multiple times.
According to investigators, Navarro also fired shots at another deputy who arrived to assist Calhoun, placing additional lives at risk. Law enforcement officers returned fire, ultimately shooting and detaining Navarro, who was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Deputy Calhoun was rushed to a hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Community reaction and official statements
Following the shooting, Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin praised Calhoun’s bravery and condemned the attack.
“Deputy Calhoun showed incredible courage during a terrifying situation that unfolded in a matter of seconds,” Hestrin said. “His dedication to the community culminated in a ruthless attack by Navarro that also put the lives of many others at extreme peril.”
The sheriff’s office described Calhoun as a devoted husband and loving father, emphasizing his commitment to public service and the lasting impact he had on colleagues and community members.
What happens if Navarro is ruled incompetent
Under California law, if Navarro is found mentally incompetent to stand trial, criminal proceedings would be paused. He would likely be sent to a state hospital for restoration treatment, where doctors would attempt to restore his competency so the case could eventually move forward.
Prosecutors maintain that Navarro is fully capable of standing trial now and argue that delaying proceedings would deny justice to Calhoun’s family and the community.
Case status and what’s next
The court is expected to continue hearing expert testimony from both the prosecution and defense before ruling on Navarro’s competency. That decision will determine whether the murder case proceeds toward trial or is temporarily suspended for treatment.
As the legal process unfolds, Deputy Calhoun’s death continues to resonate across Riverside County, serving as a reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face while responding to domestic violence calls.
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