Yolo DA Proposes Cannabis-Psychosis Theory in Dominguez Case

In a Thursday court hearing, the Yolo County District Attorney’s office introduced a new theory in the ongoing trial of Carlos Reales Dominguez, accused of a 2023 stabbing spree in Davis that killed two men and critically injured a woman. The community remains intensely focused on the case, which has drawn significant local and legal attention.

Case Background

Dominguez, a former UC Davis student, is charged with murdering David Breaux, 50, known as “The Compassion Guy,” and Karim Abou Najm, 21. Kimberly Guillory survived the attack. The first trial in June ended in a mistrial when the jury could not reach a verdict. Dominguez has a documented history of schizophrenia, diagnosed by at least eight psychologists and psychiatrists.

New Prosecution Theory

During the motion hearing, Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney David Wilson proposed that Dominguez may have suffered cannabis-induced psychosis, stemming from prolonged use of high-THC products exceeding 10%. Wilson argued this factor had been largely overlooked in the first trial.

“The defendant was purchasing high THC value, meaning above 10% products, for months, if not years, prior to the events in question. Those high THC materials lead to psychosis,” Wilson stated.

Defense attorney Dan Hutchinson countered that Dominguez has long been treated for schizophrenia and continues to experience its symptoms, asserting that attributing his behavior to marijuana use ignores established psychiatric evidence.

Court Ruling and Next Steps

Judge Samuel McAdam denied a motion for further evaluation of Dominguez’s mental state, citing his ongoing treatment for schizophrenia. However, he allowed the prosecution to call an expert witness on cannabis-induced psychosis during the second trial.

Preparations are underway to notify potential jurors, and the court emphasized the importance of moving forward while ensuring fairness in proceedings. The case continues to be closely followed by the Yolo County community, the victims’ families, and legal observers.