Assessment extended for stabbing suspect

MAN ACCUSED OF STABBING PARENTS

Psychiatric doctors will continue to examine a 28-year-old man accused of trying to kill his elderly parents earlier this year.

Crown prosecutor Erin Olsen explained Monday during a hearing in Lethbridge provincial court, that doctors need more time to examine the accused, and the matter was adjourned until next month.

It’s the second time the forensic assessment has been extended since it was first ordered Feb. 14. Olsen said the case is complex, and doctors requested an additional 21 days, particularly to address a “recent display of delusional beliefs,” expressed by the accused.

The assessment, ordered under Section 672 of the Criminal Code, is to determine whether the accused is unfit to stand trial and whether he was, at the time of the alleged offence, suffering from a mental disorder that could exempt him from criminal responsibility.

Police reported that at about 2:41 a.m. Feb. 11 a man entered a westside home and stabbed a 72year-old man and 62-year-old woman while they slept in their bed.

The elderly man sustained serious, but non-lifethreatening injuries and was taken to hospital where he was treated and released. His wife was treated on scene by EMS. Police located the couple's son a short distance away and he was arrested without incident.

The man is charged with two counts of attempted murder and two counts of aggravated assault. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 7.

Since his arrest the man has been prohibited from contacting his parents. That order was amended Monday to allow contact by written correspondence.

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