A Rockland judged ruled Wednesday
that the man accused in the Monsey Hanukkah attack is not fit to stand trial
and will be sent to a New York facility for at least a year until he is able
to.
Grafton Thomas was being treated in
Missouri and has been through multiple psych evaluations. Thomas' attorney,
Michael Sussman, believes treatment could be extended in the future at the
direction of the mental health commissioner.
Thomas is accused of attacking
several people with a machete during a Hanukkah party in Monsey back in
December 2019. One of the victims, 72-year-old Josef Neumann, succumbed to his
injuries a few months later.
Thomas' family was in court during
the 20-minute hearing. He is facing a slew of charges including second-degree
murder, attempted murder and more.
Thomas is also facing federal
charges - but the case has been put on hold.