Judge Says Transvestite Will Dress as a Man Despite Appearance

A transvestite facing a murder trial wants to appear in court dressed as a woman: He looks like a woman, acts like a woman and considers himself a woman. [Editor's Note: She is probably a transwoman, not a transvestite.]

But Superior Court Judge Roland Purnell ruled Jamie Cid will dress as a man because he is a man. That decision led Cid's attorneys to file a motion Thursday that challenges their client's mental competency.

The reason for the motion was sealed by the judge, but Cid's attorneys said it argues his mental competency and whether the defendant can assist in his own defense. Last week, the judge said Cid must dress like a man while in the courtroom.

Cid's lead attorney, Robert Sheahen, declined to comment after a brief hearing Thursday in Ventura County Superior Court, during which Purnell assigned a psychologist to evaluate Cid. A hearing was set for Jan. 14.

Deputy District Attorney John West called the motion another stall tactic.

"The people wish to move this on as quickly as possible," West told Purnell. "The people also express some skepticism regarding this motion."

Cid, 31, is charged with murder and robbery in the March 2000 beating death of Jack Jamar, 78, inside the victim's Varsity Street home. Jamar was known to frequent Thompson Boulevard looking for prostitutes and apparently knew Cid, investigators said.

Cid has claimed he attacked in self-defense, but prosecutors believe he beat Jamar during a robbery, then took his wallet and fled to San Diego where he was arrested.

If Purnell rules he is incompetent, Cid will be transferred from Ventura County Jail to a mental hospital for treatment until he is ready for trial. If the judge rules Cid is competent, jury selection could begin within a few days.