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Judge questions murder suspect’s competency to stand trial

September 24, 2025

Fritz Schnoor

By KAREN VELIE

During a hearing on Tuesday, a judge questioned the competency of the 35-year-old man who stabbed two of his former Arroyo Grande neighbors killing one last week.

On the evening of Sept. 18, Fritz Schnoor broke into Joseph and Cynthia Giambalvo’s home, stabbed the husband and wife and then headed to another former neighbor’s home. Cynthia Giambalvo, 74, later died from her injuries.

Arroyo Grande police officers arrested Schnoor, who currently lives in Oceano, and booked him in the San Luis Obispo County Jail. He is facing charges of murder, attempted murder and burglary.

San Luis Obispo Superior Court Judge Barry LaBarbera voiced concerns that Schnoor is not mentally competent to stand trial.

On Feb. 5, 2019, a judge approved a request to place Schnoor under public guardianship through San Luis Obispo County. Three and a half years later, a judge granted Schnoor’s mother conservatorship of her son, and he was removed from public guardianship.

Wearing all black, Schnoor would walk around a neighboring block for hours each day, according to a neighbor to his home in Oceano.

On Sept. 8, Schnoor headed out for his walk, but this time he was naked, a neighbor said. Neighbors called 911 and for a time Schnoor was not seen in the neighborhood.

During his frequent stays at the San Luis Obispo County Psychiatric Health Facility, Schnoor rarely spoke, but when he did it was often to discuss his plan to kill the Giambalvos, according to a mental health worker.

Schnoor is scheduled for another hearing on Oct. 21.

 


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When democrats are left in charge, these are the results.


9

Should have questioned his competency 10 years ago.


And the other guy is a nutcase killer.


7

If he was competent enough to be let out time after time, he is competent enough to stand trial. Can’t have it both ways.


33

Outstanding Point!! We the CITIZENS that are UNPROTECTED see your point, but The Professional Judges, Professional Attorneys, Professional Mental Health Doctors, and Professional Mental Health Workers CANNOT see your point is an ABSOLUTE DISGRACE on all of them involved.


12

Make Asylums Great Again (MAGA)


These days, we’re going to need a bigger box.


21

The same judge that dismissed the Giambalvos’ protection order in 2020? Is that significant?


42

A judge must: Uphold the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Ensure fair representation and access to legal counsel for defendants. Evaluate the potential risk to the community. Consider the severity of the crime and its impact on public safety. Weigh the defendant’s criminal history and behavior patterns.

Two out of five is not acceptable.


0

Too little too late judge.


41

Make Asylums great again.


30

Best comment. Bottom line.


14

MAGA


4

When exactly was it supposed to be “great”? When patients were experimented on without consent? When family’s were lied to with no accountability? When facilities could price gouge without oversight?


-7

When they were kept in a facility, and no innocent neighbors died?


8

Wah wah wa wa wah wah….You sound like the teacher of the Peanuts Cartoon!!!!


0

You have a gift, perspective24. Getting it wrong, was that learned or something you were born with?


0

He knows the system and the area well. He’s angling to be housed at Atascadero State Hospital as opposed to prison. ASH is way more comfortable with much better food, amenities and privileges.


25
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