SEATTLE — A man accused of multiple stabbings in Seattle's Chinatown International District appeared before a judge on Wednesday, where the court ordered him to undergo a mental competency evaluation before entering a plea.
Roland Lee, 37, remains in the King County Jail on $2 million bail as the investigation into multiple stabbings continues.
During the court appearance, Lee's attorney, Kimberly Exe, expressed doubts about her client's competency.
"I base that on a fully delusional belief system that he struggles with," Exe told the court. She further explained her concerns, stating, "I have represented Mr. Lee in the past so I am familiar with the way that he thinks. I would have to tell the court that I think it is very different from the last time I represented him, and it is very concerning in terms of his ability both to assist me and to really understand what is going on from a rational perspective."
The alleged stabbing spree occurred on Nov. 8, with surveillance video capturing one of the attacks that prosecutors describe as unprovoked and random. According to neighbors, the incident was part of two terrifying days that saw a total of 10 people stabbed in the area. Lee was arrested for allegedly committing five stabbings near 12th and Jackson, with police investigating his possible connection to additional attacks.
Court documents reveal harrowing accounts from Lee's alleged victims. One victim described being "punched really hard in the back" before realizing he had been stabbed three to four times. Another victim reported feeling like he was going to die, while a third stated that the "pain blinded him," and he eventually blacked out.
Detectives collected three knives as part of the evidence leading to Lee's arrest. All stabbing victims are expected to survive their injuries.
The mental competency evaluation, which will be conducted in jail at the request of Lee's attorney, will determine if he is competent to enter a plea. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for Dec. 16.