Psychiatric evaluations pending for Aptos man accused of killing his parents

A Santa Cruz County Superior Court judge has appointed two psychiatrists to evaluate an Aptos man accused of killing his parents last year.

James Henderson, 40, is charged with two counts of murder for the deaths of Edyth and Joseph Henderson at the couple’s Aptos home in June. Prosecutors say Henderson fatally struck his father with his car and bludgeoned his mother to death inside the couple’s Ridge View Drive home.

Henderson fled and sheriff’s deputies found him hours later hiding in a neighbor’s yard.

Last week, Henderson pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, according to public defender Zach Schwarzbach. On Wednesday, two psychiatrists were appointed to evaluate him before trial. Henderson, who remains in custody at Santa Cruz County Jail, is due back in court March 24.

Henderson’s family previously has said he suffers from mental illness.