Vanroy Smith's family said he was struggling with his mental health before the incident, the Los Angeles Times reported.
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Court papers filed by Smith's ex-wife say he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and bipolar disorder after an alleged attack on a friend in 2020.
Smith is now charged with the murder of Dr. Michael Mammone, who was struck by a car while crossing the street at an intersection.
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Authorities say Smith was driving the vehicle that hit Mammone, stopped and exited the car and then stabbed the bicyclist to death with a knife.
Smith has pleaded not guilty.