In Sonoma County, a legal case that has been on hold for months is moving forward. Adrian Yanez, accused of killing Valley Ford attorney Michael Molland last November, has been found mentally competent to stand trial.
Yanez is charged with first-degree murder and burglary in connection with Molland’s death at his rural Sonoma County home. His case was paused in December after questions arose about his competency. Following a recent evaluation, a judge has ruled Yanez is fit to assist in his defense. He’s now scheduled to enter a plea and set a preliminary hearing on March 13th.
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office previously encountered Yanez hours before the killing at a Forestville hotel, where he was reportedly acting erratically. Deputies determined he was not intoxicated and did not meet the criteria for a mental health hold. He was released, a decision that will likely be scrutinized as this case proceeds. Yanez remains in jail without bail.
