A series of mugshots show Bretton Begaye is no stranger to the legal system.
The 29-year-old has two violent convictions, including an assault against his father in Inyo County when he was 19.
His dad suffered significant injuries in the knife attack, and Begaye was sentenced to six years in prison.
"Clearly he has a history of violence," said legal analyst Tony Capozzi. "He's been convicted before. While in prison, he assaulted someone again."
Court records show Begaye served at least part of his prison sentence at Coalinga State Hospital because of mental health issues.
He got a second conviction -- for misdemeanor battery -- after attacking an employee there in 2016.
An alert in his file said Begaye couldn't understand basic questions due to his mental health status.
But Begaye was out of custody last week when investigators say he stabbed 50-year-old Owen Hancock to death.
Fresno County sheriff's deputies found Begaye in a home with Hancock's body after first discovering Begaye's mother suffering from stab wounds at nearby Mono Wind Casino.
Begaye is charged with the attempted murder of his mother and the murder of Hancock, her boyfriend.
Legal analyst Tony Capozzi says Begaye's prior cases will probably inform the defense in this case.
"He needs to be examined for mental health twofold: One for competence," he said. "Does he understand what's going on? Two: Was he insane at the time of this incident?"
Begaye made his first court appearance in the murder case Monday.
The judge wouldn't allow us to record his hearing, but Begaye wore a yellow jumpsuit indicating a potential danger to himself or others.
We could learn more about Begaye's mental health status and its impact on the case in two weeks when he's due back in court to enter a plea.