Attorney for Monsey stabbing suspect requests mental health evaluation for client

A new federal complaint was unveiled against Grafton Thomas, the Monsey Hanukkah stabbing suspect, as Thomas’ mother joined her son's attorney Monday afternoon for a news conference in Goshen following his indictment.

News 12 Staff

Dec 30, 2019, 7:42 PM

Updated 1,583 days ago

Share:

A new federal complaint was unveiled against Grafton Thomas, the Monsey Hanukkah stabbing suspect, as Thomas’ mother joined her son's attorney Monday afternoon for a news conference in Goshen following his indictment.
Grafton Thomas' mother Kim sat silently but visibly upset as her son's attorney, high-profile civil rights attorney Michael Sussman, and their family pastor described a long history of alleged mental illness.

Sussman says the 37 year-old from Greenwood Lake has been hospitalized for mental illness. He noted the Monsey stabbing suspect, a former Marine who is now charged with federal hate crimes, was prescribed multiple medications for serious depression. Sussman says he's requested a 30-day mental health evaluation after speaking to Grafton behind bars, who he claims appears to be suffering from hallucinations and is allegedly hearing voices.

"I spent about 35 minutes speaking with Grafton Thomas this morning and while obviously I can't disclose the detail of that conversation, I can tell you that I heard nothing in that conversation that confirms in any way, shape or matter that he is a domestic terrorist,” said Sussman.

Federal prosecutors say handwritten journals recovered from Grafton Thomas' home in Greenwood Lake had anti-Semitic references to Jews and remarks about Hitler.
Longtime family pastor Wendy Paige spoke for Grafton Thomas' mother, who was there but too upset to speak.
"Grafton has experienced a long history of mental health and that should be the focus. Not terrorism. Mental health,” she said.
Authorities are also investigating whether Thomas is responsible for last month's stabbing in Monsey that injured a man while he walked to synagogue.
Thomas was arraigned in federal court in White Plains and is being held without bail.
He is due back in court Jan. 13.


More from News 12
0:23
Prosecutor: Man charged in deadly shooting of ex-Rutgers football player in Hoboken

Prosecutor: Man charged in deadly shooting of ex-Rutgers football player in Hoboken

2:22
STORM WATCH: Tracking evening thunderstorms expected to impact New Jersey

STORM WATCH: Tracking evening thunderstorms expected to impact New Jersey

4:01
Trial begins for Barnegat man accused of killing 6-year-old son through abuse

Trial begins for Barnegat man accused of killing 6-year-old son through abuse

2:29
13 students arrested for trespassing amid pro-Palestinian protest at Princeton University

13 students arrested for trespassing amid pro-Palestinian protest at Princeton University

1:58
New Jersey Transit police officers save life of 3-year-old

New Jersey Transit police officers save life of 3-year-old

1:42
Police: Several homes evacuated in Bridgewater due to gas leak

Police: Several homes evacuated in Bridgewater due to gas leak

0:27
Authorities identify man killed in Jersey City shooting

Authorities identify man killed in Jersey City shooting

0:51
Casino worker unions clash over proposed smoking ban

Casino worker unions clash over proposed smoking ban

0:49
Brian Lora, Passaic police officer and relative of mayor, dies at 29

Brian Lora, Passaic police officer and relative of mayor, dies at 29

0:34
Police: Grandfather, 6-month-old grandson killed by fallen tree in Verona

Police: Grandfather, 6-month-old grandson killed by fallen tree in Verona

New Jersey seeks fourth round of offshore wind farm proposals as foes push back

New Jersey seeks fourth round of offshore wind farm proposals as foes push back

0:43
Repairs underway at Cedar Grove pharmacy where tractor-trailer crashed into building

Repairs underway at Cedar Grove pharmacy where tractor-trailer crashed into building

0:27
Recall alert: Over 80,000 pounds of prosciutto recalled from Lincoln Park firm

Recall alert: Over 80,000 pounds of prosciutto recalled from Lincoln Park firm

0:29
Prosecutors: Man, woman charged with leaving 2 toddlers in car while attending a wine tasting

Prosecutors: Man, woman charged with leaving 2 toddlers in car while attending a wine tasting

1:27
Best of New Jersey: A taste of Italy at Matera's Italian Market in Rutherford

Best of New Jersey: A taste of Italy at Matera's Italian Market in Rutherford

0:35
Prosecutors: 2 drivers charged with vehicular homicide in fatal Route 35 crash in Eatontown

Prosecutors: 2 drivers charged with vehicular homicide in fatal Route 35 crash in Eatontown

0:28
Cliffside Park man accused of leaving fire burning inside his apartment

Cliffside Park man accused of leaving fire burning inside his apartment

0:23
E-ZPass warns of text message scam targeting customers

E-ZPass warns of text message scam targeting customers

0:23
Looking to complain about the smelly Tinton Falls landfill? There's a number for that

Looking to complain about the smelly Tinton Falls landfill? There's a number for that

0:24
Need a ride for an appointment? Monmouth County introduces wellness transportation program

Need a ride for an appointment? Monmouth County introduces wellness transportation program