A man arrested after police found a body in his Del Cerro hotel room following an hours-long standoff was charged Wednesday with murder and an allegation that the killing involved torture.
That special-circumstance allegation means Owerrie Bacon Jr., 28, could face the possibility of the death penalty if convicted in the death of Shantia Brown, 31.
Bacon did not enter a plea in San Diego Superior Court after his attorney raised questions about Bacon’s mental competency — his ability to understand the court proceedings and assist in his defense.
Judge Theodore Washington agreed to suspend further proceedings and ordered an evaluation of Bacon.
Deputy District Attorney Ramona McCarthy had pushed for the arraignment to take place, saying Brown’s family — including her parents — were in court from out of town.
Bacon will remain in custody without bail.
According to police, Brown’s body was found hours after officers were called to a Days Inn on Adobe Falls Road where Bacon refused to leave a room about 11:30 a.m. Friday.
Police were told Bacon had broken a window and threatened staff with a knife. There was blood in the room and an odor that smelled like a body.
When officers arrived, Bacon still had the knife in hand and refused to exit the hotel room, police said. A SWAT team, police dog and crisis negotiators were summoned.
Around 6 p.m., Bacon walked out, the knife in hand, and officers released the police dog. Police said Bacon stabbed the animal several times. The dog, named Nando, was stabbed only once because of his protective vest, police said.
SWAT officers then moved in and wrestled the knife out of Bacon’s hand, police said.
When officers entered the room, they found Brown’s body.
In addition to the charges related to Brown’s death, Bacon was charged with assault with a deadly weapon and animal cruelty.
The criminal complaint alleges Bacon was out on bail in a San Bernardino County carjacking case. The document also says his criminal history includes a North California robbery conviction that California considers a strike.
