After Allegedly Killing Wife, Mental and Physical Health Delay La Mesa Man's Prosecution

A mental competency hearing was rescheduled Monday to Jan. 15 for an 82-year-old La Mesa man accused of shooting his wife of 54 years after she served him with divorce papers.

Clyde Jay Hayen is charged with attempted murder and assault. He allegedly opened fire inside the couple's home in the 7300 block of Princeton Avenue about 11:15 p.m. on June 20.

Paramedics took the 73-year-old victim to a hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds to her abdomen and one of her hands, La Mesa police Lt. Matt Nicholass said.

Hayen was bound over for trial after a preliminary hearing in August, then a mental competency evaluation was ordered to see if he understands the charges against him and can assist his attorney at trial.

A judge Monday said Hayen was hospitalized and could not be brought to court.

Hayen faces 24 years in prison if convicted, according to Deputy District Attorney Amy Bamberg Colby.