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Bryan Chang's mental competency was questioned last month when defense attorney Kathleen Cannon told a judge in Vista that she doubted her client's ability to understand the charges against him and assist in his defense.

Chang, however, refused to be evaluated, prompting Judge Kerry Wells Wednesday to order another evaluation.

"I'd rather not have another evaluation," Chang said when Wells asked him if he would cooperate and submit to an examination.

Chang, 30, pointed out that his mental competency has already been evaluated twice, once with a finding of incompetence and then competent. Chang said a third evaluation would slow the process of getting to trial, but Wells encouraged him to cooperate with doctors.

"This court needs an evaluation done," the judge said.

Chang is charged with murder and special circumstance allegations of torture and murder for financial gain in the Jan. 25, 2010, death of Sherry Chu Chang. Her body was found at the home on Santa Florencia, near San Elijo Lagoon, after she didn't show up for work.

Her son was arrested at his home in Los Angeles two nights later.

Prosecutor Rachel Solov alleged the defendant cut off his mother's right arm and part of her skull and put them in a refrigerator. Claw hammers may have been used in the killing, according to authorities.

The District Attorney's Office hasn't yet decided whether Chang would face the death penalty or life in prison without parole if convicted.