LEWISTON (AP) — A Maine man charged with attempted murder in the stabbing attack of his then-girlfriend in July has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
The Sun Journal reports 44-year-old Eric Griffey, of Auburn, entered the plea Monday in Lewiston to charges that also include elevated aggravated assault.
His attorney asked for a single trial, rather than two to address issues of guilt and insanity.
Authorities say Griffey attacked the woman with a kitchen knife at their Auburn home and chased her outside. Police say neighbors disarmed him.
If Griffey’s found not criminally responsible by reason of insanity, he’d be committed to state custody and the charges would be dropped.
He remains held in lieu of $250,000 cash bail. A trial is scheduled for February.
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