Criminal proceedings against a Pleasanton man charged with murder have been suspended after his attorney raised concerns about his mental fitness for trial. Court records indicate that the case against Malcolm Tilley, 32, is now on hold while doctors evaluate his ability to understand the legal process and assist in his defense.
Tilley is accused of stabbing his 71-year-old mother, Marjory Methvin Tilley, to death inside their Pleasanton residence last year. According to court documents, he allegedly used a second knife after the first one broke during the attack. Following the incident, Tilley reportedly showered and walked to a police station to confess. He stated that the pair had argued after he returned from a trip to Safeway, and he claimed he killed her "quickly" and "humanely" because she had constantly demeaned him regarding his employment and other personal matters.
The suspension of the case began after an April 16 hearing where Tilley’s lawyer formally declared a doubt regarding his competency. Tilley did not attend that hearing, having refused to leave his jail cell. The evaluation process may lead to his transfer to a state hospital for treatment of mental illness. He would remain there until deemed "restored" and capable of proceeding with the prosecution.
A judge is scheduled to review the doctors’ reports in August. During a preliminary hearing last year, Tilley represented himself, cross-examining witnesses and arguing that the charges were unfounded. He told the court at that time that the prosecution had found an error in the validity of the charge and questioned the concept of absolute certainty in legal proceedings.
