Man found next to dead wife to get mental exam

A 36-year-old man whose wife was found dead in their Stateline apartment was ordered Monday to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

George Bariames' lawyer, Derrick Lopez, said conversations with his client last week led him to believe he might be mentally incompetent to stand trial.

Bariames appeared in East Fork District Court on Monday for a competency hearing.

District Judge Michael Gibbons ordered an evaluation for Bariames at Lake's Crossing in Sparks.

"Since it's the only facility in the state, it could be pretty full," Gibbons said. "There is no estimate for the time needed to do this."

The judge set Dec. 2 for Bariames' next court hearing, which could change depending on the time required for an evaluation.

Investigators are waiting for toxicology results on Bariames' 36-year-old wife, Debbie. The Washoe County Coroner's Office found bruises on her arms and legs, but believe these occurred after her death. An autopsy did not provide any conclusive information.

The incident is being investigated as a homicide. Bariames' bail remains at $500,000. Bariames is charged with child abuse and neglect.

Authorities discovered the woman's body during a Sept. 21 welfare check at the couple's Market Street apartment near Kingsbury Grade.

The Bariames moved to Douglas County last month from Las Vegas where the husband was a slot technician. Both were unemployed.

A friend called authorities after telephoning George and sensing something was wrong.

When deputies went to the apartment and discovered the woman's body, they also found the couple's 10-month-old son, Nicholas, who was malnourished. The boy has since been released from the UC Davis Medical Center Facility.

Ed Cotton, director of Nevada Child and Family Services, said Monday Nicholas is in a foster home.

"He is being evaluated at the Special Children's Clinic in Reno," Cotton said. "There is some developmental delay, but we're not sure if that was already there. Physically, he's great."

He said Nicholas will eventually be reunited with his father, adopted or placed with a relative. He said the agency hopes to find a permanent situation for Nicholas soon.