A Los Angeles commissioner has ruled Redmond O’Neal is incompetent to stand trial, and must be treated at a state mental hospital before he can face serious felony charges related to an alleged crime spree last year, RadarOnline.com can exclusively report.
The troubled son of Farrah Fawcett and Ryan O’Neal was not present at a Los Angeles court hearing on Monday, Sept. 16, but Commissioner Laura Stremer ordered the 34-year-old to receive psychiatric medication in jail while he waits to be transported to a state hospital.
O’Neal then will continue his medical and psychological treatments at the state facility until he is deemed ready to return to Los Angeles to face trial.
In order to be found competent to stand trial, O’Neal would have to understand criminal proceedings and be able to assist his attorney.
Four reports were submitted by various psychiatrists opining on whether or not O’Neal was competent to stand trial.
Not only will O’Neal receive psychiatric care at the facility, an order also was placed to administer medication to stabilize his behavior.
O’Neal, who has publicly battled drug and alcohol abuse, was diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and antisocial personality disorder, court records indicate.
After undergoing treatment and restored to mental competency, O’Neal will return to a Los Angeles courtroom where he will face his criminal charges.
O’Neal’s godmother, Mela Murphy, walked out of the courtroom on Monday with defense attorney Daly, looking relieved.
Murphy has spoken to Radar about her godson’s long struggle with depression, mental illness and drug addiction.
“It’s a huge relief for Redmond and those who care have been devoted to him and have been fighting for him,” Daly said after the hearing. “It’s the beginning of a chance.”
O’Neal will spend up to two years in treatment at the mental state hospital, or until psychiatrists deem him competent.
The commissioner’s medication order will expire on Sept. 16, 2020.