Jose Landaeta, alleged killer in grisly San Carlos beheading, takes stand

Landaeta was cooperative when answering questions from his attorney, Robert Cummings, regarding his mental state in the days leading up to the murder, his paranoia around threats Castro had allegedly made against him via snapchat messages, and the events directly before and after the killing — although he said he had no memory at all of allegedly attacking Castro.

Cummings said earlier the trial was “not a who done it case, this is a why,” and Landaeta’s defense thus far has revolved around self-defense. The District Attorney’s Office maintains the killing was motivated by vengeance.

When Deputy District Attorney Josh Keckley-Stauffer began cross-examination, Landaeta struggled to identify a labeled photograph of Castro and answered no when asked if he killed her.

Landaeta then became completely unresponsive on the stand — with his eyes closed and body unmoving — when Stauffer continued questioning amidst a tense courtroom atmosphere after Landaeta requested a bathroom break.

Judge Lisa Novak, who is presiding over the case, adjourned court for the day half an hour later and Landaeta appeared to have regained consciousness.

“For the last 30 minutes or so, the defendant has been in this chair, not responding to touch or voice. I noticed a marked change in his behavior after it was announced court was [adjourned],” Stauffer said as proceedings closed.

Landaeta said he had a panic attack on the stand.

“I have mental illness and PTSD,” he said in response to Stauffer. “Nobody wants to believe me!”

Novak said Landaeta was “obviously capable of communication.”

District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said in a phone interview following the day’s proceedings that Landaeta’s refusal to answer cross-examination questioning was in violation of court order and his panic attack claim could be “an explanation, but it’s not an excuse.” He said it was the first time in his career he’s seen a murder suspect go unresponsive and refuse to cooperate during a trial.

The prosecution team will determine strategic next steps by Tuesday, Nov. 14, which could include requesting the entirety of Landaeta’s testimony be struck or allowing it to remain on record, Wagstaffe said, noting that Landaeta could also request to continue testimony if he so chose.

Castro’s father, Martin Castro Jr., was in attendance and expressed deep frustration around the day’s events.

“We’re at a loss. It’s frustrating, I’m extremely angry,” he said. “I know him very well — it’s all just a game.”

During Landaeta’s testimony earlier in the day, he was asked about his own mental health. He said he had experienced around 15-20 “episodes” of unstable and paranoid behavior before the killing, many of for which he had been hospitalized. He also said he was off his antipsychotic medication — prescribed for chronic paranoid schizophrenia — at the time of the crime.

Landaeta previously attempted a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity but was found competent to stand trial.

Monday, his attorney asked him about a turbulent Snapchat exchange he had with Castro the morning of the crime, where she allegedly accused him of pedophilia, rape and sexual encounters with a man, writing messages including “now I hope u get ur s— shut down and taken out,” “u got a target on ur back now too, haha I already got a green light,” “tell yo mom to plan a r f— service” and that she would “handle” his mother.

He said that his response, which included ninja emojis, was meant to reflect “you better back up homie. I’m a warrior.”

After the Snapchat exchange, he testified to being extremely paranoid, believing hit men were after him and his family.

Landaeta also said repeatedly throughout his testimony that he now thought others beside Castro were responsible for the messages or telling her what to say to him because the messages, including ones where she claimed he was an irresponsible father and a rapist, were unlike her.

After leaving work in Berkeley, Landaeta said he felt he was getting ready to go to war against individuals that were planning to kill him after the exchange and retrieved a samurai sword from his father’s house in Hayward.

He then said he drove to San Carlos, where he said he attempted to communicate with Castro and deescalate the situation. He alleged she came toward him with a knife, at which point he had an “episode” and did not remember anything past that until he was driving down the street, then calling his mother to pick him up. Police and prosecutors have said no knives were found at the crime scene.

Both prosecution and defense attorneys will meet to discuss the direction of the trial, with jury members returning to court at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14.