Man accused of biting out son's eyes waives right to hearing
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The man accused of biting out his 4-year-old son's eyes made his court debut on Friday after several delays.
Angelo Mendoza Sr., 34, faces four felony charges for the April 28 attack on his son, Angelo Mendoza Jr. The child, who was discovered by a neighbor lying naked in a bloody heap on the floor of an Ohio Drive apartment, told officers, "My daddy ate my eyes," and, "Daddy bit my eyes and hands," according to Bakersfield police reports.
Mendoza waived his right to a preliminary hearing during Friday's showing. Normally, a preliminary hearing is held to determine if there is enough evidence to hold a defendant for trial, and is usually followed by a second arraignment.
He's next scheduled to be in court on June 15, but it's unknown what the nature of that appearance will be.
Mendoza's poor medical condition has been cited for delaying his court appearances. Mendoza is in a wheelchair with a spinal cord injury, and police said he rolled away from his apartment after allegedly attacking his son and started hacking away at his leg with an ax.
Police reported that Mendoza was showing signs of being under the influence of the psychedelic drug best known as PCP or angel dust during the alleged abuse.
Angelo Mendoza Sr., 34, faces four felony charges for the April 28 attack on his son, Angelo Mendoza Jr. The child, who was discovered by a neighbor lying naked in a bloody heap on the floor of an Ohio Drive apartment, told officers, "My daddy ate my eyes," and, "Daddy bit my eyes and hands," according to Bakersfield police reports.
Mendoza waived his right to a preliminary hearing during Friday's showing. Normally, a preliminary hearing is held to determine if there is enough evidence to hold a defendant for trial, and is usually followed by a second arraignment.
He's next scheduled to be in court on June 15, but it's unknown what the nature of that appearance will be.
Mendoza's poor medical condition has been cited for delaying his court appearances. Mendoza is in a wheelchair with a spinal cord injury, and police said he rolled away from his apartment after allegedly attacking his son and started hacking away at his leg with an ax.
Police reported that Mendoza was showing signs of being under the influence of the psychedelic drug best known as PCP or angel dust during the alleged abuse.
