Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (AP) — A 21-year-old autistic and developmentally disabled man charged with stabbing his mother has been ordered held without bail by a judge, despite pleas from his mother that he be freed and charges dropped.
A Hampshire Superior Court judge ruled Monday that Zachary Holmes, of Belchertown, is a danger to himself and others and will remain in jail pending his trial on attempted murder and other charges.
His mother, Joann Holmes, said after Monday's hearing that she feels like her "heart got ripped out."
She has said that her son suffered a "psychotic break," when he attacked her last September and should not face charges.
She says he will not get the treatment he needs while in jail.
The family's lawyer asked that Holmes be released to his father's custody.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
