A Farmington man accused of attempting to kill his uncle after stabbing two strangers in separate incidents was found incompetent to stand trial
An order of commitment was filed Jan. 28 for Jordan Keith Armijo, 54, after a nearly two-hour meeting Jan. 22 revealed Dr. James Harrington believed the man was “paranoid and could not assist” in his defense, according to the audio log from the hearing.
Armijo is charged with attempted second-degree murder and two counts of third-degree felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Armijo was arrested July 15 in connection with a stabbing at the Speedway gas station on East Broadway. It is alleged Armijo walked up to Corey Washburn, 44, and stabbed him in the stomach “just under his right rib cage,” according to the statement of probable cause.
Armijo claimed to police that Washburn jumped him, so he stabbed him, but his claims were unsubstantiated, and Farmington Police arrested Armijo and charged him with aggravated battery, according to the statement.
Armijo was released from the jail on July 16 despite other violent crimes on his record. Those included convictions of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in 2006, robbery in 2009 and aggravated battery against a household member in 2009, for which Armijo was sentenced to four years in the Department of Corrections.
Six days later on July 22, Armijo allegedly stabbed Tirell Allen on the Berg Park Riverwalk between the Courtyard by Marriott and the Red Lion Inn.
Allen told police the attack was unprovoked, and he did not want to fight. Allen said he tried to walk away but was attacked and stabbed “in the neck and face,” the affidavit says.
During the competency hearing, Farmington Police Detective Eduardo Arreola, stated that Armijo admitted to stabbing Allen and did so because he thought Allen was a “child molester.”
He also reportedly told the detective that his family members “were called child molesters” and were “part of (the) satanic church.”
Armijo also reportedly told Dr. Harrington that “a family member is married to someone in a drug cartel,” but “he is not involved with the Mexican Mafia,” Assistant District Attorney Joseph Patrelli stated, according to the audio log notes.
Eight hours after the stabbing, Armijo walked to his family home in the 1800 block of York Avenue, where he reportedly attacked his uncle, Virgil Canuto, the affidavit states.
Armijo reportedly told police he “tried to kill his uncle” by stabbing him, shooting him with a “pellet-style air gun” firing a “copper-head” pellet into his back to paralyze him, the affidavit states.
Patrelli stated in court that while the DA’s office believes Armijo has “some paranoia,” it would not be enough to commit him. This is because he “responds to questions and explains why he did what he did.”
Defense Attorney Ian Jump, who raised competency on Aug. 15, 2024, stated, “just because he can give a story or events does not mean it’s rational.”
Jump pointed out during the hearing that when Armijo was questioned by Arreola he was “talking to himself, punching air,” and claimed, “everything is related to a child molester.”
Jump asked, “taking all that together do you still think he was giving thoughtful statements?”
Arreola stated, “yes.”
Harrington when questioned stated that while Armijo told him he “understood” his Miranda Rights, Armijo “was paranoid, agitated” and then, started talking about things outside of the conversation and it had a “jarring irrational quality.”
Jump attempted to call Armijo to the stand during the hearing, but Armijo refused to swear-in.
Patrelli stated that just because Armijo would not cooperate with policies or his evaluation it does not mean he is incompetent.
He said that just because Armijo is “mentally disturbed” it would not hinder his ability to “understand and assist” with his defense.
Jump stated that Armijo’s “thoughts are jumbled” in the video of him being questioned by police and he speaks of “child molestation” and “conspiracy,” so he “should go to the state hospital.”
The “court finds that the defendant is incompetent,” District Judge Curtis Gurley said.
Patrelli asked that Armijo be committed for the entire length of his sentence should he have been found guilty of the crimes for which he was charged.
Gurley asked him to write the order, which is sealed by the court.
Gurley also filed a notice of federal restriction on the right to possess or receive a firearm or ammunition. The order stated Armijo is “prohibited from possessing or receiving firearm or ammunition,” and that will be entered into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
