GOOCHLAND COUNTY, Va (WTVR) - A scheduled arraignment for a man accused of beating up his ex-girlfriend in a Goochland school parking lot was postponed Tuesday. The judge ordered Uriah Harristo undergo a mental evaluation. Harris is to be charged with several crimes including attempted murder and malicious bodily injury in connection with the Dec. attack.
Harris was dressed in a tan jail suit and cuffed as he sat next to attorney John Amos inside the Goochland Circuit Court. Amos told Judge Timothy Sanner his client has been "controlled by voices in his head."
While Amos spoke, Harris rocked back-and-forth only looking up a few times. Judge Sanner agreed with the request for a mental evaluation in order to effectively continue with the case.
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Harris is facing the two charges after Goochland detectives said he beat his ex-girlfriend last December in the parking lot of Goochland Middle School where she teaches.
Harris' attorney told CBS 6, the attack happened because of those "voices" and added Harris is apologetic.
"From my first conversation with him he indicated a great concern for the young woman hurt," Amos said. "He did express remorse that it happened. He just didn't fully understand why and that's the reason that we need the sanity evaluation."
For now Uriah Harris will remain behind bars in Henrico. Judge Sanner ordered his evaluation be complete by May 3. After which the case is set to be reviewed for another arraignment on May 10 at 11:00 a.m.
