A Gridley man, Hugo Cardenas, was found not guilty by reason of insanity after admitting to fatally stabbing his mother, Veronica Avalos-Cardenas, on March 25, 2024. Following a review of reports from two forensic psychologists, Judge Corie Caraway concluded that Cardenas was not guilty due to insanity, citing his severe mental illness on the day of the incident, which included delusions and auditory hallucinations. Cardenas believed his mother was an imposter and the Devil, leading him to stab her 40 times.
Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey noted that Cardenas could face a life sentence in a state mental hospital. He expressed condolences to the Avalos-Cardenas family, highlighting the tragic effects of untreated severe mental illness. A placement hearing for Cardenas has been scheduled for May 25, 2025, when he will be formally committed to a secure California State Hospital for treatment until he can petition for a sanity hearing.
