David Hoetzlein Pleads Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity in Mother's Death

A Camarillo man accused of a gruesome 2022 murder has finally entered a formal plea. 28-year-old David Hoetzlein appeared in court via video conference on January 22, 2026.

He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the charge of murdering his mother. The case has been delayed for years due to Hoetzlein’s mental health struggles.

The charges stem from the death of 62-year-old Tomoko Hoetzlein. Her dismembered remains were discovered in a dumpster outside her apartment in June 2022.

Following the plea, a judge appointed a psychologist to evaluate Hoetzlein. The expert will determine his mental state at the time of the killing.

Hoetzlein’s legal team argues he was suffering from a severe mental break. He was found incompetent to stand trial several times before being cleared in 2024.

His sister has also filed a federal lawsuit against the county and a local hospital. She claims her brother was released from psychiatric care too early.

The lawsuit alleges that the facility gave him an incorrect diagnosis and medication. It also claims law enforcement failed to act on warnings from the family.

Hoetzlein is currently being held without bail at the Todd Road Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for late February 2026.

If the court-appointed psychologist finds him sane, the case will proceed to a criminal trial. If found insane, he could be sent to a state mental hospital indefinitely.