Monday, 17 February 2025

Man charged with murder enters insanity plea

LAKEPORT A Clearlake man charged with the October murder of a woman he shared a home with has entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.


James Wade Roberts, 45, is facing murder charges for the death of Clearlake resident Ruth Donaldson, 63.


Roberts was in Judge Arthur Mann's court Monday to enter a plea, said District Attorney Jon Hopkins, who is prosecuting Roberts' case.


Hopkins said Roberts entered pleas of not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder charge against him.


Roberts' defense attorney, Steve Carter, asked for a psychologist, who had previously been appointed to Roberts' case confidentially, to be reappointed as an expert consultant, said Hopkins.


Hopkins explained the Penal Code requires that two to three psychologists must be appointed to evaluate Roberts due to the insanity plea.


He said that Mann appointed two new psychologists to the case, and will continue the hearing March 19, when a third psychologist also will be appointed.


Clearlake Police found Donaldson's body in the Mullen Avenue home that she shared with Roberts on Oct. 15.


Roberts is being held in the Lake County Jail on $1 million bail.


E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


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