A woman from South Carolina, identified as Naziyha Weatherall, was denied bond on Friday following accusations of stabbing her Lyft driver 11 times and taking his car. Her lawyer claimed she was experiencing a severe mental health crisis during the incident.
Weatherall faces charges of attempted murder, carjacking, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime in Greenville County. These charges originate from an event on April 22, according to court documents.
Prosecutors described the accusations as a “frightening factual scenario” during the bond hearing. They argued that Weatherall presents an extreme danger to public safety.
“The victim was simply just trying to do his job and was stabbed 11 times,” a solicitor stated, as reported by FOX Carolina. “Not only was he stabbed 11 times, his car was then carjacked by this defendant.”
The driver’s wife spoke at the hearing on his behalf, citing the trauma from the alleged attack as the reason for his absence. “What concerns us most is that happened while my husband was simply working,” she said. “If this level of violence could happen to someone doing his job, we are worried about the possible threat to others in our community.”
Weatherall’s attorney urged the court to consider her mental state, noting she had no prior criminal record and was in a psychiatric emergency. The defense explained that Weatherall’s paranoia led her to believe she was being watched and harmed, causing her to summon a ride to report the issue to police.
Her mother even called the police station ahead of Weatherall’s arrival. The crisis reportedly worsened during the ride. Weatherall’s lawyer stated she believed she was being trafficked, which caused her to panic, and explained she has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and other mental health issues.
The defense also noted Weatherall is now on medication, stabilized, and competent. Her attorney requested her release to allow family and a social worker to place her in a treatment facility. Weatherall’s mother apologized to the driver’s family while asking the court to consider her daughter’s mental health.
“She’s not a criminal. She would never hurt anybody like that,” her mother claimed. “I understand the family’s side because we are all suffering.”
A judge ordered Weatherall to remain in custody for a psychological evaluation in September. This evaluation follows competency and observation evaluations ordered in June. Weatherall’s bond request was denied by the judge.
Lyft has permanently banned the rider accounts involved and continues to assist law enforcement. A Lyft spokesperson stated, “Violence like this has no place in the Lyft community or society.” The company emphasized that the driver’s well-being is their priority and has reached out to him and his family for support.