Just three days after being cleared of prosecution under California’s Mental Health Reuse Act, a man from Napa, Ramiro Ochoa Mendoza, 36, is accused of committing a violent murder. This raises significant questions about a system intended to ensure public safety.
On Tuesday, Napa County prosecutors charged him with the murder of 47-year-old Noel Buttores, whose body was recovered from beneath a bridge on July 3.
Mendoza has a criminal history and struggled to meet probation requirements, being deemed mentally unfit to stand trial earlier this year for lesser charges like violating a restraining order and resisting arrest.
Even after the defense made efforts to dismiss the case entirely, the court instead mandated a mental health diversion program. This led to Mendoza being released under supervision while managing two remaining misdemeanor charges.
However, he failed to show up for a scheduled mental health review and was found not compliant with the program’s requirements.
“Mendoza couldn’t attend court due to a mental health review and compliance issues with the program,” noted the Napa County District Attorney’s Office.
Despite a history of violations, legal obligations forced the court to drop the charges on mental health grounds, given their misdemeanor nature.
The court explained that laws prohibit defendants from continuing if they are deemed incompetent solely on misdemeanor charges, leading to the dismissal of remaining charges on July 8, 2025. This decision aligns with recent legislative changes, particularly Senate Bill 317, which restricts defendants charged only with misdemeanors from regaining the ability to litigate, even if their actions seem to expand.
On July 11, Mendoza was re-arrested and is currently facing intensified murder charges in connection with Buttores’s case. This situation has intensified discussions about the efficacy of mental health protections and their implications for community safety.
Napa County Deputy District Attorney Katie Sssemir remarked, “This case underscores the tangible effects of recent legal reforms, where courts must prioritize mental health care over conventional prosecution, even when the accused is non-compliant with required programs.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist in returning Buttores’s remains to Guatemala, his home for 26 years. The campaign reflects community sentiment, as expressed by supporters: “Noel wasn’t perfect, but he was a kind, caring individual. We want to ensure he can return home for a final farewell with loved ones.”
Mendoza is currently being held without bail at the Napa County Department of Corrections.
