Man who stabbed woman over smoking to face competency hearing

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – A mental competency trial was scheduled Tuesday for a 71-year-old man accused of stabbing a woman near Belmont Park because her smoking bothered him.

Terrance Alphonce Behan is charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon in the stabbing near Belmont Park July 18.

An initial doctor’s report said Behan was competent to stand trial, but a second evaluation cast doubts on whether the defendant can assist in his own defense.

If deemed incompetent, Behan will be sent to a state mental hospital for treatment until his competency is restored and criminal proceedings can be reinstated.

About 10:30 a.m. on the day of the crime, Behan allegedly stabbed a 54-year-old woman in the chest in the 3000 block of Mission Boulevard, then threatened a man and his family, according to San Diego police. Behan also is charged with making a criminal threat.

The defendant has been in custody without bail since being arrested shortly after the stabbing. The victim survived.