Doubt Raised About Mental Competency Of Suspect In Kidnap/Atempted Rape Of 75-Year-Old Ventura Woman

Wednesday June 07, 2023

     Updated--A doubt has been raised about the mental competency of the suspect in the kidnap and attempted rape of a 75-year-old Ventura woman in her front yard.

     26-year-old Lathanial Walker, described by Ventura police as a vagrant, had earlier pleaded not guilty to Felony Attempted Kidnapping for Rape and two Misdemeanors of Lewd Conduct and Elder Abuse.

     He also denied 21 special allegations.

     But Wednesday, Walker's defense attorney raised a doubt about his client's ability to understand the charges against him and aid in his defense.

     The judge immediately suspended the criminal proceedings and set a competency hearing for June 29th.

     The victim was gardening in her front yard in the 200 block of South Dunning Street on the morning of May 24th when Walker is alleged to have walked up and just stood there watching her.

     Police say he then is alleged to have moved closer, dropped his pants, grabbed her, and began to drag her toward a more secluded area.

     The victim yelled for help and her neighbors rescued her.

     Police say that Walker ran towards the Pacific View Mall where responding officers found him and took him into custody.

     Walker is being held in jail with no chance of bail or release.