Court orders mental exam for C'ville man charged in attempted murder

A Carpentersville man expected to admit Thursday to allegations he tried to kill his girlfriend instead returned to the McHenry County jail to await a meeting with a psychologist.

Esteban Callejas, 44, was ordered by a McHenry County judge to undergo a mental fitness examination after his defense attorney raised questions in court Thursday about the accused's ability to understand the legal proceedings against him and the ramifications of pleading guilty.

"Based on my conversations with him this morning, I want to make sure (the plea agreement) is knowingly and voluntarily done, and I believe there is a bona fide doubt as to his fitness and competency," Senior Assistant Public Defender Christopher Harmon said.

Harmon later said he could not disclose the specific reason for his doubts, but added: "I don't do these things lightly."

Callejas, of the 3000 block of Wakefield Drive, has been sitting in the county jail for more than a year facing an attempted murder. If convicted he would be sentenced to six to 30 years in prison.

The charge alleges that on July 25, 2009, Callejas stabbed his 38-year-old girlfriend in the back and chest during an altercation in her Crystal Lake-area home.

Callejas nearly avoided prosecution altogether late last year when he posted bond and was to be turned over to U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement for deportation. County prosecutors stepped in, however, and successfully petitioned a judge to raise Callejas' bond, effectively keeping him locked up until the attempted murder charge is resolved.

Prosecutors did not object Thursday to Callejas undergoing a fitness examination.

If found unfit, Callejas would go to a secure state mental health facility to undergo treatment until he is ready for trial. Under state law, a defendant is unfit if he cannot understand the legal proceedings against him or cannot help in his defense.