Woman accused in Quincy murder still deemed incompetent to stand trial
A woman suffering mental illness who was accused in the 2020 murder of a Quincy man still is deemed incompetent to stand trial and the process is underway for her to be placed in a conservatorship involuntarily and indefinitely. Plumas County District Attorney David Hollister provided an update on the case.
On Sept. 17, 2020, Zora Lotte Holt (then age 25 of Quincy) was accused in a one count complaint of Murder. Holt had been arrested in east Quincy the day before when she was alleged to have attacked and killed the victim, an acquaintance, with a knife from behind. Holt suffered from mental illness and was known to Plumas County’s criminal justice and behavioral health systems.
Following her arrest and charge of murder, Holt, on Sept. 28, 2020, was found incompetent to stand trial and referred to the California Department of State Hospitals in an effort to restore her competency to stand trial.
On Sept. 2, 2022, the Department of State Hospitals requested the return of Holt to Plumas County as they believed there was no substantial likelihood Holt would regain competency. This finding was also made by the Plumas County Superior Court on Oct. 7, 2022 who then ordered Plumas County to initiate conservatorship proceedings for Holt. This order is the first, and main, step for Holt to be involuntarily conserved indefinitely. The suitable facility for Holt to be housed, consistent with the alleged crime and her mental illness will be identified in subsequent court dates. Plumas County will be responsible for paying for those costs.
District Attorney David Hollister expressed his agreement with the court’s order and his appreciation for the understanding of the victim’s friends and family. Hollister specifically noted his appreciation for the grace and perseverance of the victim’s mother during this long, complicated and often frustrating process. Hollister added he was thankful the victim’s friends and family, especially his mother, were able to attend the court process, understood and seemed satisfied with the outcome understanding all of the circumstances
