Woman Charged With Stabbing Morton Hospital Worker Ordered To Undergo Evaluation
TAUNTON (CBS) -- The woman charged with stabbing a hospital worker in Taunton has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Victoria Disharoon, 28, was ordered held without bail at her arraignment Thursday in Taunton District Court.
A woman who works at Morton Hospital was taking a break outside Tuesday afternoon when, investigators say, Disharoon walked up behind her, pulled her ponytail and stabbed her several times in the back.
A court psychiatrist said Disharoon has a history of mental illness.
"She's having a mental health problem. She's been psychiatrically hospitalized at least once," said psychiatrist Dr. John Pearson.
Police said it was an "unprovoked attack." The 44-year-old woman was able to use her cell phone to take a photo of her attacker before she took off.
Police found Disharoon late Wednesday afternoon in Raynham and arrested her. They said she had a small pocket knife that's believed to have been used in the attack. She was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
The wounded worker was treated in the hospital's emergency room, was released, and chose to finish her shift.
At court Thursday, Disharoon's father, Terry Parratt, told WBZ-TV that she has struggled with mental health issues for years.
"It's just a tough thing to deal with," her father said. "She basically said she snapped. And no reason, no rhyme. Just want let everyone know that mental illness is a real thing."
Parratt apologized to the victim for the attack.
"My deepest, heartfelt apologies go out to the victim. The person did not deserve this."