The deranged man accused of fatally shooting 27-year-old Justin Long over a parking dispute in East Palo Alto is headed to a state mental hospital later this month.

Dante Rodney Strauter, 22, was found not competent to stand trial on charges that he murdered Long in cold blood on Aug. 12, 2009.

The parking dispute began when one woman refused to move her car to let another woman drive from a driveway at 2246 Ralmar Ave., according to prosecutors.

The first woman eventually moved her car and left the area. But she returned with Strauter, who got into an argument with Long, who was friends with the other woman.

Strauter went back to his car, grabbed a handgun, shot Long multiple times, then fled, San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said.

Strauter must check into Napa State Hospital before Dec. 19, according to a judge.

He remains in custody on no bail status.

maldax@sfexaminer.com