Shooting suspect ordered to state mental facility

Wednesday, Dec. 15, 1999 | 10:12 a.m.

As expected, Larry D. Taylor has been ordered to the state mental facility for evaluation and treatment before he can be returned to face charges of gunning down his ex-girlfriend in a crowded downtown casino.

Two psychiatrists already have concluded the 37-year-old defendant is incompetent to stand trial on murder charges.

While Taylor has not yet had a Justice Court preliminary hearing, his case was transferred to District Judge Michael Douglas's courtroom for Tuesday's session because only district judges have the authority to order treatment at Lake's Crossing, near Sparks.

Taylor is alleged to have walked into the Golden Gate -- where Gloria Cohns worked as a 21 dealer -- and opened fire at her with a pistol as she stood behind her 21 table.

Taylor had checked into the downtown hotel at Fremont and Main streets the day before the Nov. 10 slaying. He surrendered moments after the incident.

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