A South Carolina woman, Naziyha Weatherall, has been denied bond after she allegedly stabbed her Lyft driver 11 times before carjacking his vehicle. The incident occurred on April 22 in Greenville County, and Weatherall now faces charges of attempted murder, carjacking, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, according to the New York Post.
Attack on Duty Driver
Prosecutors told the court that the driver, Sergii Savchenko, was simply doing his job when he was allegedly attacked. The attack left Savchenko with 11 stab wounds, and Weatherall allegedly took his vehicle after the assault. The severity of the charges reflects the violent nature of the incident, which has drawn attention to the risks faced by rideshare drivers.
Mental Health Defense Raised
Weatherall's lawyer argued in court that she was experiencing a severe mental health crisis at the time of the incident. The defense claimed that she had become paranoid, believing that people were monitoring her and trying to harm her. This argument was presented as a mitigating factor, suggesting that her actions were driven by psychological distress rather than criminal intent.
Court Decision and Next Steps
The judge, however, denied Weatherall's bond and ordered that she remain in custody pending further psychological evaluation. This decision ensures that she will not be released while her mental state is assessed, a process that will likely play a critical role in the legal proceedings. The evaluation will help determine her competency and the appropriate course of action as the case moves forward.
Weatherall's next court appearance has not been announced, but the psychological evaluation is expected to be a key step in the case. The charges she faces carry significant penalties if convicted, and the outcome will depend on both the evidence presented and the findings of the evaluation.
