Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Defendant in Manhattan stabbing spree may not be fit to stand trial, attorney says
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Feb 20, 2025
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Brittany Kriegstein / Gothamist
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Feb 20, 2025
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Ramon Rivera, the man accused of fatally stabbing three strangers on the streets of Manhattan in a single morning last November, may not be mentally fit to stand trial, according to the results of a psychiatric evaluation.
Rivera’s mental state was the subject of his brief appearance in Manhattan Supreme Court on Thursday, where Judge Felicia Mennin revealed the determination by medical experts. Rivera’s attorney Erin Darcy said her team agreed with the assessment, and prosecutors asked for more time to review the results before deciding how to proceed.
The defendant listened quietly in the courtroom as a Spanish translator explained the proceedings, and the judge remanded him back to the Rikers Island jails. In December, he pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, three counts of second-degree murder, and burglary charges.
Questions have swirled about Rivera’s competence since he was arrested on Nov. 18 after allegedly attacking two men and a woman with kitchen knives in a spree spanning 20 blocks. Mayor Eric Adams blamed “failed” criminal justice and mental health systems for allowing Rivera to remain on the streets following multiple prior arrests. Officials said he was homeless and living at a shelter at the time.
Court records show Rivera pleaded not guilty to a minor theft a month before the stabbings and was released without bail pending a hearing. Prosecutors sought bail, but were denied, according to the records.
Darcy told Gothamist outside the courtroom on Thursday that two psychiatrists had found Rivera to be “very mentally ill,” which she said supported her team’s plan to use an insanity defense in the case. If prosecutors agree Rivera is unfit to stand trial, she said, he would be sent to a hospital or other facility for treatment until he is deemed competent to proceed.
“Nothing gets dismissed, nothing gets thrown out,” said Darcy, an attorney at the nonprofit Legal Aid Society. “It’s just an opportunity for a very mentally ill individual to receive treatment so that he can understand what the proceedings against him are, as they proceed.”
Philip Yanos, a criminal psychologist at John Jay College, said it is rare for a defendant to be deemed incompetent to stand trial. The determination means the person does not understand the basics of courtroom proceedings, such as guilt, innocence or being charged with a crime.
“They’ll wait for medication and group treatment to start to do its thing,” Yanos said of the treatment such defendants usually receive. “They'll just keep waiting until he's restored to competency.”
Rivera is scheduled to return to court on March 6, when prosecutors are expected to share whether they agree with the medical findings.
Charles Lane contributed reporting.
Tagged
new york city
public safety
manhattan
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Man shot and killed on Midtown subway platform Saturday afternoon, NYPD says
Police said they're searching for a person of interest.
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
Published Oct 17, 2026 at 1:16 p.m. ET
Modified Oct 17, 2026 at 4:10 p.m. ET
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
Suspects were driving a Subaru Forester, police said.
By
Ryan Kost
News
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
Suspects were driving a Subaru Forester, police said.
By
Ryan Kost
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
By
Catalina Gonella
Tompkins Square Park is getting a makeover. Some say it's too much.
By
Willow Higgins
Deer are all over New Jersey roads looking for sex, state officials warn
By
Rosemary Misdary
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .