BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan man accused of breaking into the home of his children’s mother and attacking her with a sword has been found competent to stand trial.
The Battle Creek Enquirer reports that Judge Samuel Durham on Tuesday deemed 35-year-old Anthony Whitlock capable of assisting in his own defense, though the evaluation also found he was insane at the time of the Jan. 12 attack.
Whitlock’s lawyer, James Sauber, waived a key hearing, sending the case to trial. Sauber earlier said Whitlock said God told him to attack his ex-girlfriend, who lost a thumb and two fingers in the attack.
Authorities say Whitlock broke into his ex-girlfriend’s apartment in Battle Creek and attacked her with a 3-foot (1-meter) replica samurai sword. Their three children were in the home but weren’t hurt.
Police say their 13-year-old son intervened, pushing his father away and attempting to stab him with a kitchen knife.
