SOUTH LAKE TAHOE (Appeal News Service) - A psychiatrist will be appointed by El Dorado County Superior Court to evaluate Steve Wasserman, who is charged with attempted murder in allegedly slashing his ex-girlfriend with a sword.
The evaluation was ordered Monday by El Dorado County Superior Court Presiding Judge Suzanne Kingsbury. Two psychologists, one for the prosecution and one for the defense, evaluated Wasserman. Kingsbury did not seem surprised the two analysts had differing opinions on Wasserman's mental state.
Defense attorney Lori London "strongly" opposed the appointment of a third mental evaluator ,and stressed the person should be without bias. Prosecutor Tony Sears agreed.
Wasserman has pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity to three felonies - attempted murder, aggravated mayhem and residential burglary. He also faces two misdemeanor charges of endangering a child and violating a restraining order. He is being held at El Dorado County Jail on $10 million bail.
His girlfriend, Susan Rizk, was hospitalized for two months and required five surgeries. The pair's 4-year-old daughter witnessed the attack.
The March 7 trial date moved to April 10. Judge Kingsbury guessed the trial might start sometime in June.