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Judge Orders 3rd Murder Trial In Serial Stabbings

A man blamed for a series of stabbings in and around Flint has been ordered to trial in a third case of murder.

The decision Tuesday ends weeks of important court hearings for Elias Abuelazam. Judges have found probable cause to send him to separate trials in three fatal stabbings and six other knife attacks in which the victims survived.

Abuelazam's lawyers may raise an insanity defense, depending on the results of two upcoming mental exams.

Shomari Williams identified Abuelazam as the person who fatally stabbed her friend, Darwin Marshall, in July. She admitted she was using drugs and alcohol that night.

The 34-year-old Abuelazam was arrested in August in Atlanta while trying to fly to his native Israel. He's also charged with attempted murder in Toledo, Ohio.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.

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