RENO, Nev. (Dec. 23, 2025) — The man accused of murdering a volunteer at the Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza will undergo a psychological evaluation, according to court records.
Last Friday, a judge ordered Michael Paulsen to be sent to Lake’s Crossing, a maximum-security psychiatric facility in Reno, for evaluation. Judge Egan Walker issued the order.
Authorities accuse Paulsen of fatally attacking 65-year-old Michael Hess at the memorial plaza last month. Investigators have said video surveillance indicates the attack was unprovoked.
Paulsen has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. His attorneys requested a competency hearing, which led to the court-ordered evaluation. He will return to court next month.
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