Psychiatrist to speak at next ‘massacre-threat’ court hearing

“Expert testimony” is expected to be heard about the psychological condition at the next court date for the former student accused of threatening a massacre at El Camino, Deputy District Attorney Patrick O’Crowley said.

35-year-old James Lemus has been in custody at Men’s Central Jail since October last year, and has been transported to the Torrance Courthouse monthly for court hearings.

Lemus told EC Veterans Center employee Miriam Jauregui last September that he was going to create a “massacre” on the Library Lawn, making it look like the shooting that killed six UCSB students near the University of California, Santa Barbara, according to temporary restraining orders filed in 2014.

Lemus’ mother, who has been patient with the hearings, was not too pleased during the first meeting with her son’s new public defender, Vanessa Johnson.

Johnson, who asked for more time to review the files recently has moved the case along, and an expert is expected to speak on the psychological condition of Lemus regarding his condition back in November of last year, O’Crowley said.

Lemus’ next court date is on Sept. 29 at 1:30 p.m. at the Torrance Courthouse.

Update: Sept. 16, 9:28 a.m. The month Lemus allegedly made the threats was changed from October to September.