Former Lemoore councilmember, Holly Blair, found competent to stand trial

Blair was returned to the Kings County Jail on January 22, following less than two weeks of treatment.

She appeared in court on January 30, to face reinstated criminal proceedings, said Kings County Assistant District Attorney Philip Esbenshade.

According to the Kings County Courts website, Blair’s pretrial conference and preliminary hearings are scheduled for March 3, 2020, at 8:15 a.m. in Department 9. Superior Court Judge Randy Edwards is expected to preside.

Late last year it was Edwards who found Blair mentally incapable of standing trial on a variety of charges and incidents that began on June 5 when she was initially arrested on suspicion of evading a peace officer, assault with a deadly weapon, reckless driving, child endangerment, and resisting arrest.  

The charges stemmed from an afternoon incident during a ceremony in the Lemoore Police Department’s back lot when the suspect, according to witnesses, pulled into the lot at a high rate of speed, drove to the end of the lot, turned around and raced back, placing several persons, including police officers, in danger.

After leaving the lot, Blair led police officers on a chase that ended with her arrest at the West Cinnamon and North Lemoore Avenue intersection. She was booked into the Kings County Jail.

On July 6, after having been released from jail, police arrested her again on suspicion of spousal battery and felony criminal threats. According to police, they responded to Blair’s home, arresting her on suspicion of making threats, domestic violence, and committing a felony while out on bail.

Blair, removed from her city council position, has been in jail or confinement since July.

Edwards, last year, found Blair mentally incapable of standing trial. A psychiatrist’s report concluded that she was unable to assist her counsel with a proper defense, which prompted the appointment of a community program director to decide whether Blair be placed as an outpatient or undergo inpatient mental health treatment.