Judge orders mental review for custodial dad accused of eating eyes (Bakersfield, California)

What can you say about dad ANGELO MENDOZA, SR. that hasn't been said before? This PCP-using father-freak left his four-year-old son bloody and naked, after biting his body--and the child's eyes. And although this latest news update doesn't mention it, Mendoza--despite having more than 20 prior criminal cases in his name--had FULL CUSTODY of the little boy. Yup, it's really hard for dads to get custody, right?

http://www.bakersfieldnow.com/news/49111786.html

Judge orders mental review for dad accused of eating eyes

Angelo Mendoza Sr. is seen earlier this month during a brief court appearance.

Story Created: Jun 25, 2009 at 1:01 PM PDT
Story Updated: Jun 25, 2009 at 8:12 PM PDT

By BakersfieldNow.com Staff

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- A judge has ordered a mental competency review for Angelo Mendoza Sr., who is accused of biting out his 4-year-old son's eyes. Mendoza, who faces charges of mayhem, torture and child cruelty, was a no-show during the Thursday hearing. His arraignment has been delayed multiple times because he was reportedly in poor medical condition and uncommunicative.

The 34-year-old man is accused of attacking his son, Angelo Mendoza Jr., on April 28. 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 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.

Criminal proceedings have been suspended pending the outcome of the mental competency hearing on July 23, according to the Kern County District Attorney's Office.