EL CAJON, Calif. -- A judge Tuesday ordered a mental competency examination for a Lakeside man accused in the shooting death of a real estate agent who visited his home in February.

Michale Ray Jennison, 36, is charged with murdering 64-year-old James Magot of Pacific Beach.

Defense attorney Brian White told Judge Charles Ervin Tuesday that he questioned his client's ability to understand the charges against him and assist him at trial, prompting the judge to suspend criminal proceedings and order the psychological evaluation.

The judge's decision came on the scheduled day of the defendant's preliminary hearing, which would determine if there is enough evidence to order him to stand trial.

A hearing on Jennison's mental competency was set for Aug. 31 at the downtown courthouse.

Jennison -- held on $1 million bail -- was arrested Feb. 3 near Phoenix, Ariz., two days after he allegedly shot Magot to death at the Winter Gardens Boulevard condominium complex where Jennison lived.

Authorities said they found three guns in Jennison's car when he was stopped.

According to investigators and the victim's family, Jennison's condo was in probate, and Magot was inexplicably shot after coming by with an offer to sell the property.

Magot, a Purple Heart recipient and Vietnam veteran, ran his real estate business with his wife and also owned a Farrell's ice cream store in Chula Vista.