Man pleads no contest to murder of fellow state hospital patient
Adam Paul Cary
Atascadero State Hospital patient Adam Paul Cary faces 25 years-to-life
Atascadero State Hospital patient Adam Paul Cary, 35, was this week found guilty based on his plea of no contest to the charge of first degree murder of fellow patient Kevin Allan Turner, 54, according to the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s office. The murder occurred on May 28, 2014.
Cary strangled his roommate Turner, attacking the victim while he was asleep, the DA reports.
First degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of 25 years-to-life in state prison. Current state law requires that he serve the full 25-years in prison before he is eligible to seek release on parole. A remaining count of aggravated assault was dismissed, as were a number of prior conviction allegations.
On April 2, 2015, Cary had been found incompetent to stand trial and therefore criminal proceedings against Cary were suspended until he was found to be restored to competency on December 1, 2015.
The plea was entered before the assigned judge, H. Morgan Dougherty. Sentencing is scheduled for January 21, 2016, before Superior Court Judge John A. Trice in Department 6.
Deputy District Attorney Kristy Imel is the prosecutor assigned to this case.
