MONSEY, N.Y. (WCBS 880) -- The man accused in a deadly attack on Hasidic Jewish men during Hannukkah over two years ago is not competent to stand trial on murder charges, a judge ruled Wednesday.
Judge Kevin Russo sided with a federal judge in finding Grafton Thomas unfit to stand trial in the machete attack in Rockland County in 2019, according to LoHud.com.
Thomas is accused of breaking into the Monsey home of a rabbi and attacking those inside with a machete, causing injuries that killed Josef Neumann, 72, months later. He allegedly shouted “no one is leaving” before the attacks began. He was chased out of the home by a man who gave cops his license plate, officials said.
He had pleaded not guilty to murder, while a federal indictment accused Thomas of carrying out the attack based on the victims' religion. It claimed he had a journal with references to Nazism. Thomas’ family have denied antisemitism claims.
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According to the report, Thomas was held in Missouri until being transferred back to New York. His attorney said being near his family was important.
A forensic psychiatrist concluded in 2020 that Thomas is schizophrenic.
Thomas’ attorney told LoHud that he expected his client would be held in confinement for treatment for at least more than a year.
A prosecutor told the outlet that he expects Thomas will be eligible for trial once found competent.
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