Court Orders Competency Exam for Shooting Suspect
A judge has ordered a mental health evaluation for a woman accused of firing shots at a Bakersfield news station.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Terrorism
A judge has ordered a mental competency evaluation for Thomashana Ziegler, who faces charges for allegedly firing shots at the KBAK newsroom twice in one week. Ziegler remains in custody without bail following her arrest earlier this month.
Why it matters
The evaluation follows a motion from the defense attorney, who raised concerns regarding the suspect's ability to comprehend court proceedings or assist in her own defense. The judge must determine her competency before the criminal case can proceed further.
Thomashana Ziegler is currently held without bail in Kern County following the discovery of a .40-caliber handgun in her vehicle. A hearing to review the psychiatrist's evaluation is scheduled for December 1.
The players
Thomashana Ziegler
She is the defendant facing multiple charges for allegedly firing shots at the KBAK newsroom.
KBAK
This is the local television station where the alleged shooting incidents occurred.
The details
Ziegler was taken into police custody on October 15 after she allegedly opened fire on the local news station on two separate occasions within a single week. Investigators recovered a loaded magazine alongside the firearm during the arrest.
Timeline
The second alleged shooting at the newsroom occurred on October 13, 2026.
Police arrested Thomashana Ziegler on October 15, 2026.
A hearing regarding the psychiatrist's report is scheduled for December 1, 2026.
Legal Context
The court's order aligns with the Dusky v. United States competency standard, which requires that a defendant possess a rational and factual understanding of the proceedings. This process is a standard procedural step in criminal cases where defense counsel expresses doubt about a client's cognitive ability.
The proceedings confirm that local law enforcement and the court system are actively managing the security situation following the incidents at the news station. Residents can expect further updates regarding the criminal case following the December hearing.
The takeaway
Mental health evaluations are a critical part of the judicial process to ensure that defendants have the capacity to participate in their own defense. These procedural steps help preserve the integrity of the justice system in complex criminal cases.
What happens next
A hearing on the court-appointed psychiatrist's report is set to take place on December 1, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local criminal proceedings in the Bakersfield Terrorism section.
