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DSA In the News

Competency questioned for accused friend killer

Published on 9/18/2010


A judge expected to accept a plea by a Hillsborough man accused of killing his friend instead questioned the man’s ability to stand trial and suspended criminal proceedings.

Bradley Allen Kleiman, 30, was scheduled to enter a plea to murder and firearms charges in the death of Christopher Calvache. Judge Richard Livermore first asked Kleiman questions to ensure he knew his rights and raised doubt about his competency. Kleiman returns to court Tuesday for the appointment of two doctors who will determine if he should stand trial or be sent to a state hospital for treatment.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said the request is good because it gets that issue settled early.

Although Kleiman has not yet entered a plea, he has admitted shooting Christopher Calvache, 30, but called it self-defense.

Kleiman called 911 just after 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 15 to report shooting Calvache in a pool house detached from a five-bedroom main house on De Sabla Road where his parents live. Calvache and Kleiman were the only ones on the property at the time. Kleiman said he shot Calvache during a struggle after his friend pulled a gun on him.

Calvache was shot twice in the head and once in the buttocks, according to prosecutors who also say the friends had planned to go to dinner together before the altercation. When police arrived, they reportedly found Kleiman carrying marijuana plants in the backyard and a weapon and casings inside the pool house. Authorities have not confirmed who owned the gun.

Kleiman was on parole at the time of the shooting for felony driving under the influence causing injury and reckless evading a police officer. He also had a narcotics possession charge in Santa Barbara.

He remains in custody no-bail status.