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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.

MORE: Stabbing Suspect Says He Saw Demon Before Amtrak Train Attack

Grandmother: Stabbing Suspect Needs Mental Help

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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