Suspect in 2019 Machete Attack Still Unfit for Trial

Grafton Thomas is still deemed mentally unfit to stand trial. On Wednesday January 17, over four years after Green Wood Lake resident attacked the home of Rabbi Chaim Rottenberg, Thomas’ trial was again postponed while he continues to receive psychiatric treatment.

Rockland County Judge Kevin Russo last week signed an order committing Thomas, who is charged with murder in connection to the Dec. 28, 2019 rampage, to be held at Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center in New Hampton for up to two more years as “an incapacitated person.”

Thomas, who invaded the Rabbi’s home while he and his parishioners were celebrating Chanukah, assaulted five people with a machete, leaving the victims critically wounded.

One of the guests Josef Neuman, died in March of 2020 due to injuries sustained during the incident.

Thomas was first deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial in April of 2020. His status was confirmed in a subsequent ruling made in January 2021, federal Judge Cathy Seibel stating “the defendant is presently suffering from a mental disease or defect rendering him mentally incompetent to the extent that he is unable to assist properly in his defense.”

Thomas was diagnosed with schizophrenia while being treated at a federal facility in Missouri following his arrest.

Undeterred, Rockland DA Thomas Walsh and his office have vowed to prosecute Thomas as soon he is deemed capable of standing trial.

“The Rockland County District Attorney’s Office is committed to getting justice on behalf of Josef Nuemnann, and the others injured during this horrific attack. When the defendant is ruled competent, the Office will proceed with prosecution.” said Scott Waters, Public Information Officer for the Rockland DA in a statement shared with the RCT.

Thomas, 39, is facing a 14-count indictment which includes six counts of assault and attempted murder.

Thomas was taken into police custody hours after the assault, thanks in part to the heroism of Josef Gluck, a guest at the rabbi’s home who both defended his fellow congregates and recorded Grafton’s license plate number as the assailant fled the scene.