KALAMAZOO (WKZO AM/FM) — A Portage man, who allegedly went on a two county killing spree, has been found competent to stand trial.
Detectives say Zachary Patten was targeting the new boyfriend of his ex-girlfriend at the American Estates Mobile Home Park when his alleged target’s sister 31-year-old Graciela Portillo-Esparza got in the way and was shot to death.
They claim that Patten then drove to the home of his ex-wife and her new husband, Shane Richardson, and shot him at point blank range, after forcing his way into the home.
His attorney asked to have Patten evaluated for competence and now state psychologists say he is capable of aiding in his own defense.
He has already waived Preliminary exam in St. Joseph County and has a preliminary hearing scheduled in Kalamazoo a week from today. They will be taking turns prosecuting Patten.
