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Suspect in Prosser stabbing to undergo mental health evaluation

Tri-City Herald (Kennewick, WA) - 10/24/2014

Oct. 24--A mental health evaluation has been ordered for Christian Ramirez, 21, who's accused of trying to kill his former girlfriend.

The criminal case has been put on hold until a judge determines if he is competent to proceed to trial.

Ramirez's attorney, James Kirkham Jr. of Ellensburg, made the motion to have a professional from Eastern State Hospital check out his client. He asked that Ramirez be examined in the Benton County jail, unless the evaluator decides an inpatient commitment at the Medical Lake facility is necessary.

Judge Cameron Mitchell signed off on the request Wednesday in Benton County Superior Court.

Ramirez is charged with attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault for the Sept. 18 attack in Prosser.

Both charges carry the aggravating circumstance of deliberate cruelty for the number and severity of Alondra G. Herrera's stab wounds, along with allegations for domestic violence and use of a deadly weapon.

Ramirez allegedly traveled from California the day before with the plan to attack Herrera, then hid in her truck to surprise her as she left for work.

Herrera, now 19, was stabbed in her neck, hands, face, back, chest and abdomen. She had to undergo surgery for her multiple injuries.

Ramirez had pulled Herrera from the truck before he drove off, later abandoning it near the Grant Avenue bridge in Prosser, according to sheriff's officials and court documents. He was arrested almost 15 hours after the stabbing at a relative's home in Sunnyside.

Kirkham told the court he wants to be present during Ramirez's evaluation. A review hearing is scheduled Dec. 3.

Ramirez remains in jail on $500,000 bail.

Kristin M. Kraemer: 509-582-1531; kkraemer@tricityherald.com; Twitter: @KristinMKraemer

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