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Woman Charged In Attack On Mary J. Blige's Dad To Get Exam

Cheryl White - booking
Cheryl White (Booking Photo)

BATTLE CREEK (WWJ/AP) - A woman who authorities say stabbed the father of singer Mary J. Blige is expected to get a mental exam at the request of her lawyers.

Fifty-year-old Cheryl White of Battle Creek is charged with assault with intent to murder. Police say she stabbed 63-year-old Thomas Blige in the neck, arm and side on Jan. 23 outside his Battle Creek apartment. He's hospitalized and police say he's expected to recover.

Police say Blige was attacked while confronting White, who was deflating his vehicle tires. Paramedics later found Blige inside his apartment, on the floor in a pool of blood. A broken kitchen knife was also found nearby. Blige, who was conscious, was able to tell police that White attacked him. When she was arrested, White was still wearing blood splattered clothes.

Defense lawyer Kimberly Schroder told the Battle Creek Enquirer that White doesn't seem to understand what happened that morning.

"She can't seem to talk cohesively with counsel about the events," Schroder said.

Prior to the attack, officials said police had investigated at least seven reports of domestic violence between White and Blige since August.

White is being held on $500,000 bond.

Mary J. Blige is a Grammy award winner whose hits include "Real Love," `'No More Drama" and "Family Affair."

TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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