Four months after a 66-year-old woman was stabbed and killed at a small City Heights park, the man accused in the apparently random attack pleaded not guilty Tuesday to murder.
Siliveinusi Hamala, 23, also denied an allegation in San Diego Superior Court that he used a knife in the attack on Chi Cao at the Central Avenue Mini Park on the morning of June 19.
If convicted, Hamala could face a sentence of 26 years to life in prison.
Hamala was arrested the day of the stabbing and charged three days later with murder. He did not enter a plea because his attorney called into question his mental competency — his ability to understand the proceedings and assist in his defense.
Last week, the prosecution and defense agreed to put the issue aside, which usually happens after multiple doctors determine a defendant is competent to stand trial.
Deputy District Attorney Amelia Diedrich decline to share details, except to say a judge never declared Hamala incompetent.
Hamala’s attorney, Deputy Public Defender Bridget Ruben, said the office does not comment on pending cases.
Cao was stabbed multiple times at the small park on Central Avenue for no known reason, according to San Diego police.
A family friend said Cao was exercising and collecting cans — her morning routine — when she was attacked. Cao died at the scene.
Surveillance video and door-to-door knocks in the neighborhood led police to Hamala, who was arrested at a home on 39th Street nine hours later.
Cao’s death shocked her family, friends and the local Vietnamese community.
“We’re just very hurt right now to see one of our community members, a fellow grandma, just lost in such a tragic way,” Jessica Pham, the family friend, said at the time.
Pham said Cao, who lived in City Heights, came to the U.S. nearly 10 years ago and became a U.S. citizen in 2021. She took care of her grandchildren and collected recyclables to send money to her family in Vietnam or to pay for a flight to visit her homeland. She went to church and attended English-language classes at the San Diego College of Continuing Education.
