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Scottsdale man ordered into competency-restoration treatment in murder case
A judge has found Matthew Dieringer incompetent to stand trial in the killing of Frank Quaranta, pausing the case while Dieringer receives treatment. His next court hearing is set for Nov. 11.
A Scottsdale murder case is on hold while Matthew Dieringer receives treatment after a judge found him incompetent to stand trial in the death of Frank Quaranta, court records show.
Dieringer is charged with first-degree murder. He is accused of killing Quaranta, whose body was found at his home near 68th Street and McDowell Road after friends requested a welfare check. Investigators said Quaranta had signs of blunt-force trauma and described the killing as a targeted attack.
According to investigators, Dieringer had lived with Quaranta for several months. The two reportedly met at a church cooling center where Quaranta worked.
A competency hearing was held in late August. Court documents say a mental health expert who evaluated Dieringer noted “disruptive and erratic behavior.” The review also described his frustration that his attorney did not share his view that his social media influence was relevant to the case.
Under the ruling, Dieringer will be committed to the Maricopa County Correctional Health Services Restoration Program for treatment. His next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 11.
The competency finding addresses whether Dieringer can proceed through the court process; the murder charge remains pending.