By Mary O’KEEFE

On Aug. 22 a competency hearing for La Crescenta resident Vahan Keshishyan was held in the Hollywood Courthouse, Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.

He was not present inside the courtroom. The court found Keshishyan “is not presently mentally competent to stand trial.”

The criminal proceedings remain adjourned until Aug. 22, 2025.

The court found that Keshishyan needs psychotropic medication and will be treated while in custody. He continues to be held in Twin Towers Correctional Facility on a $2,020,000 bail. The court has set a placement recommendation hearing for Sept. 13.

According to the LA County District Attorney’s Office, on Feb. 14 the suspect allegedly murdered Ordean Neva, 63, who was working as a pool man at a La Crescenta residence. The victim died of “multiple sharp injuries,” according to the LA Coroner’s Office.

The weapon allegedly used by Keshishyan was a machete, according to a Glendale police spokesman.