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Extension granted for psych assessment in attempted murder case

Apr 16, 2018 | 11:57 AM

LETHBRIDGE – Recent developments have forced another extension for the psychological assessment of a 28-year-old Lethbridge man, who is accused of trying to kill his parents.

Due to circumstances in the case, Lethbridge News Now is not naming the accused at this time. He faces charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault.

During a brief court appearance Monday morning, April 16, Crown prosecutor Erin Olsen requested a 21-day extension on behalf of the doctor conducting the assessment – to determine if the man can be held criminally responsible for his actions.

The original 30-day assessment was ordered on Feb. 14, but as Olsen explained to the court, the man’s case is considered atypical and complex, and he has shown a “recent display of delusional beliefs.”

Hearing that, the judge granted the extension and adjourned the matter to May 7.

The case revolves around an incident on Feb. 11, when Lethbridge Police responded to a report of an assault at a west side home around 2:40 a.m. Following an investigation, they say a 72-year-old man and 62-year-old woman were asleep in their bed, when a man entered the room, stabbed them, then fled the scene.

The male victim suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries, while the female victim was treated on scene by EMS.

Police arrested a suspect a short distance away and took him into custody without incident.