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Defendant Might Be Deported

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 18, 2008

DADE CITY - A murder defendant found not guilty by reason of insanity was denied admission to a Pinellas County mental health treatment facility.

Now, Enrique Guzan Garcia may face deportation to his native Mexico.

Authorities say Garcia, 36, is responsible for the 1999 stabbing death of Ricardo Lopez. Lopez was stabbed 31 times and left for dead behind a building on Lock Street.

Garcia has lived at the Florida State Hospital since 2004, when a judge found him not guilty by reason of insanity. Last year, hospital psychologists determined that Garcia no longer met the criteria to remain in the facility.

Last week, Circuit Judge Pat Siracusa reluctantly agreed to allow Garcia's release and admission to the Agency for Community Treatment Services in Tarpon Springs. The facility later sent word that it wouldn't take Garcia.

Attorneys in the case will try to find another program for Garcia, but the process may become moot if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deports him.

Prosecutor Manny Garcia, who is not related to the defendant, said in court Wednesday that ICE officials have told him they plan to begin deportation proceedings.

A hearing is scheduled for Oct. 6.

Todd Leskanic

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