Napa State Hospital psychiatric worker slain

A mentally ill patient with a long criminal history was arrested Sunday morning on charges that he robbed and killed a veteran employee at Napa State Hospital.

The body of Donna Gross, a 54-year-old psychiatric technician from Concord who had worked at the hospital for 14 years, was found at 6:10 p.m. Saturday in a courtyard on the grounds. The staff became concerned when she failed to return to her unit from a dinner break.

Jess Willard Massey, 37, allegedly confronted Gross while the two walked on a well-traveled path used by staff and patients.