NORTHAMPTON — A Holyoke woman charged with murder in the stabbing death of an 84-year-old Granby man in January 2020 remains hospitalized at the Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital and is not expected to stand trial anytime soon.
Yiana M. Torres, 32, is accused of killing Reginald E. Sanford in his home. Sanford lived alone, according to previous Gazette reporting, and it was almost three days after police believe he was killed before neighbors from across the street discovered his body during a well-being check and called police.
Police saw that Sanford, who had suffered “severe lacerations and significant blood loss,” was the victim of an “obvious homicide,” according to court documents. Investigators reportedly found two fingerprint stains linked to Torres, who had a history of violent crimes, as well as a pair of women’s jeans covered with what appeared to be blood, court documents state.
Sanford’s car, which was missing from his home, was found abandoned in Holyoke. Surveillance video from the area also led police to Torres. After her arrest, she allegedly admitted to stabbing Sanford during the course of an argument, according to court records.
After being indicted in October 2020 and having her case moved to Hampshire Superior Court, Torres was found not competent to stand trial. She was committed to the Worcester hospital in April 2021 for six months, and has been recommitted for the following two years.
Monday in Superior Court, defense attorney Jonah Goldsmith told Judge James Manitsas that Torres was scheduled to be recommitted for another year.
Assistant Northwestern District Attorney Matthew Thomas said Torres’ mental illness was severe.
“We don’t expect her to recover,” he said in court.
Neither of the attorneys would comment on whether Torres and Sanford were known to each other.
Neighbors said Sanford was a Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War who enjoyed playing cards with friends in Holyoke.