Juan Francisco Lopez was taken to Trenton Psychiatric Hospital for an evaluation and his bail hearing was postponed. His infant victim was discharged from the hospital.
By: T.J. Furman
EAST WINDSOR The man accused of repeatedly stabbing his newborn niece with a pair of scissors was sent to a hospital last week for a psychiatric evaluation, according to officials.
Juan Francisco Lopez, 21, was taken from the Mercer County Correction Center in Hopewell to the Trenton Psychiatric Hospital Dec. 7, an official at the county jail said. Mercer County prosecutor’s office spokeswoman Casey DeBlasio said Mr. Lopez was taken there for a psychiatric evaluation ordered by corrections center officials.
As a result of Mr. Lopez’s hospitalization, his bail hearing scheduled for Dec. 7 was postponed, Ms. DeBlasio said.
The baby, 4-week-old Daisy Andrea Herrarte, was released from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia the same day Mr. Lopez was transferred, according to the hospital. She was taken there following the attack the morning of Dec. 4 and originally was listed in critical condition.
According to police, Mr. Lopez lived in the Windsor Castle Apartments with the girl’s parents Mirna Lopez, his sister, and Victorio Herrarte. After Mr. Herrarte left for work Dec. 4, Mr. Lopez and his sister became embroiled in an argument, police said. Mr. Lopez then allegedly locked Ms. Lopez out of a bedroom and said "your daughter has to die," before stabbing the girl four times with a pair of scissors.
A neighbor, who has asked the authorities to withhold his name, aided Ms. Lopez in rescuing Daisy from her uncle, police said. When police arrived at the Building K apartment, they found Mr. Lopez dancing naked in front of a mirror.
Police and prosecution officials have not said what precipitated the argument between Mr. Lopez and his sister.
Mr. Lopez was charged with attempted murder, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose at his arraignment in East Windsor Municipal Court last week, Ms. DeBlasio said. Bail has been set at $500,000.
Staff Writer Chris Karmiol contributed to this report.