Before driver was accused of killing O.C. bicyclist, his mental state was unraveling, family says

Police investigate the scene where a cyclist in Dana Point died after being struck by a vehicle and then stabbed on Feb. 1 at Pacific Coast Highway and Crown Valley Parkway. In a petition filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court in December seeking full custody of their two children, Smith’s ex-wife wrote that the 39-year-old was “diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder.” A family member, who spoke to The Times on condition of anonymity because of fears for their safety, said the diagnosis came after an incident in 2020 that drew police to Smith’s home in Long Beach. In the child custody papers, Smith’s ex-wife wrote that he “destroyed property at his home in a violent mental health episode.” On Dec. 19, 2020, Long Beach police officers were called at about 12:12 p.m. to Smith’s home on the 6400 block of Atlantic Avenue after receiving reports of a “violent, mentally ill person,” according to a summary of the call obtained by The Times. Now, Smith is suspected of striking Dr. Michael John Mammone, 58, with his white Lexus on Feb. 1 while Mammone was riding his bicycle in Dana Point, Orange County sheriff’s officials said. “The person who he was is gone,” Smith’s family member said.