Accused Napa State Killer Pleads Insanity

pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity Tuesday to the murder of psychiatric technician last year.

Two doctors will evaluate Massey's mental health and report to Napa County Superior Court Judge Mark Boessenecker on Aug. 1 when a trial date might be set, Deputy District Attorney Allison Haley said Tuesday afternoon.

Massey, 37, was held over for trial in May on murder, robbery and kidnapping charges.

He allegedly strangled psychiatric technician Donna Gross at the state hospital where he was a patient on Oct. 23.

Gross, 54, of Concord died of asphyxiation after she was attacked in an enclosed courtyard at the Napa hospital.

Gross took a dinner break around 4:30 p.m. She bought gum at the store in South Napa Marketplace and checked back in at the hospital at 5:15 p.m., Napa County Sheriff's Capt. Tracey Stuart said.

She was robbed of jewelry, gum and less than $2, Stuart said.

Gross's watch, two necklaces and her earrings were found in Massey's room and the gum was found in a trash can on Massey's ward, Stuart said.

The sheriff's office believes Massey used his hands and arms to strangle Gross, Stuart said.

Massey was sent to Napa State Hospital after pleading not guilty by reason of insanity to stabbing a woman in a Sacramento parking garage in May 1996.

Haley said a jury will decide if Massey is guilty of Gross's killing and if convicted, whether Massey was insane at the time.