A man released under California’s mental health diversion law is now facing murder charges, just three days after his case was dismissed due to mental health protections. Napa County prosecutors have charged 36-year-old Ramiro Ochoa Mendoza with the killing of 47-year-old Noel Batres. Batres’ body was discovered under a bridge on July 3.
Mendoza, who had a record of probation violations and prior offenses, was earlier declared mentally unfit to stand trial for misdemeanors, including violating a restraining order and resisting arrest. Despite efforts by his defense to drop the charges, the court instead placed him in a mental health diversion program, as required by law.
Under this program, Mendoza was meant to receive treatment while under supervision. But officials say he never showed up for his scheduled check-in and was ruled non-compliant. Still, because the charges were misdemeanors and Mendoza had been deemed mentally incompetent, the law required the court to dismiss the cases. That dismissal took place on July 8, just days before Batres’ death.
The law at the center of this issue, Senate Bill 317, prevents courts from restoring competency in misdemeanor-only cases, even if there are signs that a defendant may pose a threat. Authorities arrested Mendoza again on July 11. He is now facing murder charges, along with enhancements based on his past crimes and the reported violence of the killing.
Napa County Deputy District Attorney Katie Susemihl commented that the case shows how recent legal changes prioritize mental health treatment over prosecution, even when individuals don’t follow court orders.
A GoFundMe page has been created to help send Batres’ remains back to Guatemala. The post described him as a longtime Napa resident and a kind, caring man. Mendoza is currently being held without bail at the Napa County jail.
