Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_97-cv-06210/USCOURTS-caed-1_97-cv-06210-19/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 535
Nature of Suit: Habeas Corpus - Death Penalty
Cause of Action: 28:2254 Ptn for Writ of H/C - Stay of Execution

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97dp06210.OGrantGatesStay.hlt.wpd 1

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

JOHN LEE HOLT, )

)

Petitioner, )

)

vs. )

)

ROBERT L. AYERS, JR., As Warden )

of San Quentin State Prison, )

)

 Respondent. )

Case No. 1:97-CV-06210-AWI

ORDER GRANTING PETITIONER’S

MOTION TO STAY FEDERAL

PROCEEDINGS DUE TO INCOMPETENCE

This matter is before the Court on the motion of Petitioner John Lee Holt (“Holt”) to stay federal

proceedings pursuant to Rohan ex rel. Gates v. Woodford, 334 F.3d 803 (9th Cir. 2003). Holt filed the

majority of his motion electronically on June 5, 2008, and certain portions of that motion under seal on

June 18, 2008. Thereafter, Holt and Respondent Robert L. Ayers, Jr., as Warden of San Quentin State

Prison (the “Warden”) stipulated that Roderick D. Ponath, M.D., a psychiatrist employed with the

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, would conduct a psychiatric examination of

Holt, limited to the issue of his competence to proceed with this federal habeas corpus proceeding. Dr.

Ponath’s report following his competencyexamination of Holt was filed under seal on October 30, 2008.

Specifically, Dr. Ponath concluded that Holt suffers from a mental disease, disorder, or defect, and

further that Holt does not have the capacity to appreciate his position, make rational choices with respect

to the proceedings in this Court, orto communicate rationallywith his appointed attorneys regarding the

proceedings. 

Holt’s counsel have submitted the motion on the strength of Dr. Ponath’s report. The Warden

also submits the matter based on Dr. Ponath’s report, having filed a notice of non-opposition to the

motion on November 18, 2008 and a statement urging the Court to stay these proceedings until Holt

Case 1:97-cv-06210-KES Document 199 Filed 11/21/08 Page 1 of 2
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97dp06210.OGrantGatesStay.hlt.wpd 2

regains his competence. The Warden proposes that the Court and the parties revisit the issue of Holt’s

competence in eighteen months to two years, at which time a follow-up examination should be

conducted. 

Based on all the pleadings and documentary evidence before the Court in this matter, including

that which is filed under seal, and for good cause shown, Holt’s motion to stay federal proceedings is

granted. The stay shall remain in effect until Holt is restored to competence. While this stay remains

in effect, the parties shall jointly arrange for Holt to be reexamined by Dr. Ponath or another psychiatrist

employed with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation every two years, to

determine whether there has been a material change in his mental condition. Following each of these

examinations, Holt’s counsel shall file a statusreport apprising the Court about the examination results.

The Warden is ordered to cooperate with counsel for the parties to facilitate these competence

examinations.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: November 21, 2008 

 /s/ Anthony W. Ishii 

 Anthony W. Ishii

United States District Judge

Case 1:97-cv-06210-KES Document 199 Filed 11/21/08 Page 2 of 2