The Septuagenarian Speaks – originally published September 2, 2020, Siskiyou Daily News
After about sixteen months of treatment at Atascadero State Hospital, 43-year-old Master David was transported back to Siskiyou County on October 20, 1999, having been declared “restored to competency” by the hospital staff. His first court appearance after his return was October 26, 1999, at which time the criminal charges against him were resumed, and his case was scheduled for preliminary hearing.
Master David was described in a Siskiyou Daily News report as being slight of build with long hair, a neatly trimmed beard, looking like an artist’s rendering of Jesus Christ. That is the way I remember him, as well. He told various people, “I am one of the greatest speakers in the world. I am omniscient. I know everything about everyone. When I work with someone, it is on a very different level.” In keeping with that, there was a humorous exchange in a court proceeding between Master David and William Davis, Assistant District Attorney at the time, now a Superior Court judge. Master David was on the witness stand, being cross-examined. He was first cross-examined by Deputy District Attorney Joseph Allison, who was taking a hard-ball approach with him, causing him to clam up. I had a recent conversation with Judge Davis about this, and this is what he told me:
