GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. — A routine Lyft ride allegedly turned into a violent confrontation after a South Carolina woman attacked the driver with a knife and stabbed him 11 times before taking his vehicle, according to authorities.
Naziyha Weatherall is facing charges of attempted murder, carjacking and possession of a weapon during a violent crime in connection with the April 22 incident, according to court records.
The allegations came under intense scrutiny during a bond hearing Friday, where prosecutors described the circumstances as particularly alarming.
“The victim was simply just trying to do his job and was stabbed 11 times,” a solicitor said, according to FOX Carolina. “Not only was he stabbed 11 times, his car was then carjacked by this defendant.”
The driver survived the alleged attack, but the incident left his family deeply concerned about what happened and whether others could face similar violence.
Driver’s Wife Speaks Out in Court
The driver’s wife appeared at Friday’s hearing on his behalf because, according to her, the trauma of the alleged attack prevented him from attending personally.
She told the court that her husband had been working and providing a service when the violence allegedly occurred.
“What concerns us most is that happened while my husband was simply working,” she said. “He was not looking for any confrontation, he was providing a service to a person.”
The woman said the circumstances were especially frightening because the alleged attack appeared to happen during an ordinary interaction.
“If this level of violence could happen to someone who was simply doing his job, we are concerned about potential risks to other people in our community,” she said.
Prosecutors argued that the allegations demonstrated a significant danger and urged the court to keep Weatherall behind bars.
Defense Points to Severe Mental Health Crisis
Weatherall’s attorney asked the judge to consider what he described as a serious psychiatric emergency at the time of the alleged attack.
The defense said Weatherall had no previous criminal record and was experiencing paranoia that caused her to believe other people were monitoring her and attempting to harm her.
According to her attorney, Weatherall had actually requested a ride because she intended to go to police and report her fears.
“Her mother even called the police station to let them know she was on the way to make a report,” the attorney said. “During that, the crisis got worse.”
The defense also said Weatherall believed she was being trafficked and became increasingly panicked during the ride.
Her attorney told the court that she had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and other mental health conditions.
The defense argued that Weatherall is now medicated, stable and competent, and asked that she be released so relatives and a social worker could help arrange placement at a treatment facility.
Mother Apologizes to Driver’s Family
Weatherall’s mother also addressed the court and apologized to the driver’s family while asking officials to consider her daughter’s mental state.
“She’s not a criminal. She would never, ever, ever hurt anybody like that,” her mother said.
She acknowledged the suffering experienced by both families and said she understood why the driver’s relatives were concerned.
“And I understand the family’s side, I truly do, because we are all suffering. We all are,” she said.
The defense’s argument centered on whether Weatherall’s alleged actions should be viewed primarily through the circumstances of her mental health crisis and whether treatment could address the issues involved.
Judge Denies Bond as Evaluation Looms
Court records show that a judge ordered competency and observation evaluations in June. On Friday, however, Weatherall’s request for bond was denied.
She will remain in jail while awaiting a psychological evaluation scheduled for September. The results could become an important part of the next stages of the case as prosecutors and the defense address her mental state and ability to proceed.
Weatherall continues to face the attempted murder, carjacking and weapons charges stemming from the April incident. The allegations remain accusations, and the case will continue through the court system.
Lyft Responds to Alleged Attack
Lyft said it has taken action following the incident and has permanently removed the rider accounts involved from its platform.
The company also said it has continued assisting law enforcement investigating the case.
“Violence like this has no place in the Lyft community or in our society,” a Lyft spokesperson said. “The driver’s well-being has been our priority, and we have reached out to them and their family to offer support.”
For the driver and his family, the case highlights the potential dangers faced by people working alone while providing rides to strangers.
As Weatherall remains in custody, the upcoming psychological evaluation is expected to shed more light on the mental health concerns raised by her defense.
What do you think about the judge’s decision to deny bond while the psychological evaluation is pending? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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