Doubts raised about mental fitness of Belleville man charged in Walmart stabbing
The man charged with stabbing two people at the Belleville Walmart last week remains in jail and will be evaluated by a psychologist to determine his ability to stand trial.
Kyon Williams, 20, of Belleville, has waived his right to a detention hearing and was being held in the St. Clair County Jail on Wednesday.
Williams was charged with one count of attempted murder, two counts of aggravated battery with great bodily harm, and two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Belleville police said the two victims, a man and a woman, suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries on Thursday night in the store at 2601 Green Mount Commons Drive on the east side of Belleville. One of the victims remained hospitalized Wednesday while the medical condition of the other person was not available.
“There is no relationship between the victims and the suspect in this violent, unprovoked attack,” according to a police department news release.
St. Clair County Associate Judge Sara L. Rice on Tuesday asked Dr. Daniel Cuneo, a forensic psychologist, to evaluate Williams’ mental fitness to stand trial.
Cuneo also was asked to evaluate Williams’ “sanity,” according to Rice’s order.
The order acknowledges a “bona fide doubt into the Defendant’s ability to stand trial.”
Since Williams is indigent, the order notes St. Clair County will pay for Cuneo’s services.
A fitness review and status conference is scheduled for March 28.
This story was originally published February 26, 2025 at 11:57 AM.
