Man Accused In Amtrak Train Attack To Undergo Mental Exam
NILES, Mich. (AP) — A man accused of stabbing four people on an Amtrak train in southwestern Michigan will undergo a mental competency exam.
The defense attorney for Michael D. Williams told a judge Friday there are concerns about Williams' mental health. Williams told police that he started the attack after seeing a man on the train turn into a demon.
Investigators say the conductor and three other people were stabbed the night of Dec. 5 when the train stopped in Niles, about 10 miles north of South Bend, Indiana. Williams, a Saginaw native, is charged with attempted murder.
Family members say Williams has struggled with delusions and paranoia.
Williams is jailed on a $1 million bond. He didn't appear in court Friday.
His attorney, Shannon Sible, says Berrien County prosecutors also see the need for a mental exam, which could take about a month.
The judge agreed to the exam, meaning a hearing next week to determine whether the case can go to trial was postponed.
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