Knife-wielding woman stabs 4 in West Hollywood Target store

[n2doc]

By Andrew Blankstein and Robert Faturechi, Los Angeles Times
May 4, 2010


A woman wielding two knives went on a rampage Monday at a Target store in West Hollywood, stabbing four shoppers in an apparently random attack that left one victim in critical condition, authorities said.

Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department are still trying to determine a reason for the attack.

Entertainment journalist Allison McNamara was shopping at the store when she encountered a screaming woman in the aisle that separates the skin care and kitchen sections.

"She was yelling 'I'm bipolar. There's no witness protection program.' "

McNamara said she watched helplessly as the woman plunged a knife into the upper back and shoulder of a male shopper. He had crouched down and covered up to fend off the blows, she said.

"You could see where the knife was going into his back. The knife had ridges and a tag on it. She was going as fast and strong as she could. Four to six inches were covered in blood. She looked like she was going to stab everyone there," McNamara said.

more

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0504-target-stabbing-20100504,0,2691568.story


IMHO, the Deputy handled that situation perfectly.

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. That is seriously messed up. I hope everyone will be ok.

[Shell Beau]

2. Freaky.

She sounds like she is mentally ill. I hope all injured will be ok.

[rocktivity]

3. More info

Including her history of schizophrenia and a mug shot.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4366803#4367005

:(
rocktivity

[GreenStormCloud]

4. The deputy showed great restraint.

Legally, he could have killed her since she still had knifes and was attacking people.

[Lance_Boyle]

5. Hopefully the prison she ends up in will force her to take her meds.

She is solely responsible for not taking her meds, and should be held criminally liable for the stabbing spree. She ought not to ever see the light of day again except through bars.

[foxfeet]

6. Anyone know whether CA has a "Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity"

option or can a person be found "Guilty but Mentally Ill?" The possible outcomes vary from state to state.