WESTFIELD – A 27-year-old city man accused of attacking his elderly uncle with a straight edge razor and a hammer was ordered to be examined to determine his criminal responsibility and competency to stand trial at a dangerousness hearing Tuesday in Westfield District Court.
Donald K. MacLeod, 28, of 5 King Ave., Westfield, was held without right to bail at his arraignment Dec. 12 on charges of attempted murder, assault and battery on a family or household member and two charges of assault and battery on a person 60 years-of-age or older pending a dangerousness hearing.
In her motion asking for MacLeod’s pretrial detention, Assistant District Attorney Megali Montes wrote “The defendant hit his uncle with a hammer multiple times on the head and slashed his throat with a straight edge razor. He then called the police and told them a masked man had attacked his uncle.”
She also wrote that “the victim sustained significant injuries and his prognosis is reserved at this time.”
At the dangerousness hearing Tuesday to determine if MacLeod would be released on bail, Judge William O’Grady allowed a defense motion asking “that Defendant be examined for competency prior to trial.” The motion also asked “that said examination expressly not be extended to include mental responsibility.”
After the judge allowed the motion the hearing was continued to Jan. 3 when the results of the examination will be considered.
