Trial underway in 2012 Merced homicide

Opening statements were heard Wednesday in the trial of a man accused of killing another man in 2012 during a robbery in Merced.

Michael L. Wilkins, 22, has pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges in the slaying of 47-year-old Raymond Garza, who was gunned down Aug. 8, 2012, at an apartment complex on Park Avenue in Merced.

About 10 minutes after the shooting, a 21-year-old man was robbed at gunpoint not far from the homicide scene near Park Avenue and Park Place. Sheriff’s investigators said they found a firearm in Bear Creek they believe may have been used by Wilkins, who was arrested a short time later in the 2600 block of H Street, authorities have said.

If convicted, Wilkins faces a potential life prison sentence without the possibility of parole, the Merced County District Attorney’s Office has said. The jury trial is being argued before Judge Ronald W. Hansen in Merced Superior Court.

The defense has argued that Wilkins, at the time of the incident, was not able to fully understand the consequences of his actions because of a mental disease or defect. However, Merced prosecutors disagree, noting Wilkins has been found fit to stand trial, officials have said.

The case has been delayed numerous times for many reasons, including mental-competency reviews. The most recent delay occurred in February when doctors in the case apparently examined the wrong documents while evaluating Wilkins’ mental health, prosecutors confirmed previously.

Wilkins remains in custody without bail at the Merced County jail.

This story was originally published April 15, 2015 at 8:41 PM with the headline "Trial underway in 2012 Merced homicide."