A California man accused of the murder of a sheriff’s deputy is suspected of feigning mental incompetence to escape the harshest penalties.

Jesse Ceazar Navarro, 45, faces charges for the murder of Deputy Darnell Calhoun, who was 30 years old. Navarro is also accused of firing a weapon from a vehicle with the intent to kill. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office has indicated that because Navarro allegedly killed a peace officer, special circumstances apply that make him eligible for the death penalty, as detailed in their statement.

However, prosecutors claim Navarro is attempting to avoid facing this ultimate punishment through manipulation. They allege he is pretending to be mentally unfit to stand trial.

“The defendant is manipulating the justice system,” Deputy District Attorney Marcus Garrett asserted during his opening remarks. He elaborated on Navarro’s capabilities, stating, “Mr. Navarro is able to multi-task and retain information.”

Garrett further referenced a forensic psychologist’s evaluation, where she concluded, “In my professional opinion, he’s presently competent” to face trial, as reported by City News Service in their coverage. Additionally, Garrett highlighted a conversation allegedly overheard between Navarro and his wife during a jail visit, where Navarro seemed confident, saying, “Everything is going according to our plan.”

The defense, on the other hand, has argued that Navarro has mental deficiencies affecting his communication, possibly due to “bullet fragments” in his head. According to the regional outlet, the judge overseeing the case ruled last year that there were grounds to proceed with a mental competency trial.

The shooting itself occurred on Jan. 13, 2023, at a home on the 18500 block of Hilldale Lane in Lake Elsinore, California. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office was called about an instance of domestic violence, and Calhoun was the first deputy to arrive.

“Moments after” the officer arrived, Navarro fired multiple shots at him, “striking Calhoun several times,” authorities said. Navarro also allegedly shot at another deputy “who came to Calhoun’s aid.”

The suspect was eventually shot, detained, and transported to an area hospital.

Calhoun was also rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“Deputy Calhoun showed incredible courage during a terrifying situation that unfolded in a matter of seconds,” Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin said later that year. “His dedication to the community culminated in a ruthless attack by Navarro that also put the lives of many others at extreme peril.”

Per California law, if Navarro is found to be mentally incompetent to stand trial, he will likely be assigned to “restoration treatment” — or placed in a hospital for treatment.

Calhoun is remembered as having been a “devoted husband” and a “loving father,” according to the sheriff’s office. “Darnell’s life was tragically cut short, but those who were blessed enough to be loved, mentored, and protected by him understood that the quality of his existence far exceeds the quantity of time they had with him.”