Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_95-cv-05108/USCOURTS-caed-1_95-cv-05108-9/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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95dp05108.OFollStatConf.McP.wpd 1

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

RONALD AVERY McPETERS

)

Petitioner, )

)

vs. )

)

ROBERT L. AYERS, JR., as Warden )

of San Quentin State Prison, )

)

Respondent. )

)

Case No. 1:95-CV-05108-LJO

DEATH PENALTY CASE

ORDER FOLLOWING STATUS

CONFERENCE

DATE: March 29, 2007

TIME: 8:30 a.m.

COURTROOM FOUR

This matter came on for hearing March 29, 2007 at 8:30 a.m in the above-entitled Court, the

Honorable Lawrence J. O’Neill, presiding. Petitioner Ronald Avery McPeters (“McPeters”) was

represented by his attorneys of record at the California Habeas Corpus Resource Center, Jean R.

Sternberg and Gary D. Sowards. Respondent Robert L. Ayers, Jr., as Warden of San Quentin State

Prison (the “Warden”) was represented by Deputy Attorney General Stan Cross. All counsel appeared

telephonically.

Prior to the Status Conference, the Court considered the import of Rohan ex rel. Gates v.

Woodford, 334 F.3d 803 (9th Cir. 2003) as applicable to McPeters. The Court has determined that

McPeters’ case presents a factual scenario indistinguishable from that in Gates such that further

proceedings must be stayed due to McPeters’ present incompetence. Evidence of McPeters’ present

incompetence has been supplied variously by a number of experts and mental health professionals,

including AubreyO. Dent, M.D., a staff psychiatrist at theCalifornia Medical Facility at Vacaville State

Prison. Dr. Dent’s last report was dated February 28, 2006, but the date of his last examination of

McPeters is unclear. All counsel agree with the Court’s determination that a stay under Gates is

Case 1:95-cv-05108-DAD-SAB Document 237 Filed 03/30/07 Page 1 of 2
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95dp05108.OFollStatConf.McP.wpd 2

appropriate. In addition, both parties believe that Dr. Dent is able to provide a fair assessment of

McPeters’ current mental status as well as his prognosis.

In light of McPeters’ mental state deterioration and the parties’ agreement about his mental state

deterioration, the Court directs the parties to supply the Court with a current report from Dr. Dent

addressing McPeters’ current mental status and prognosis. The report shall be filed with the Court

within 60 days from the filing of this order.

Once the report is received and reviewed by the Court, the Court will issue a supplemental order

staying the proceedings under Gates, and determining a subsequent time for a status update.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: March 30, 2007 

 /s/ Lawrence J. O’Neill 

Lawrence J. O’Neill

 United States District Judge

Case 1:95-cv-05108-DAD-SAB Document 237 Filed 03/30/07 Page 2 of 2