Missouri man accused of stabbing dean ruled incompetent

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - A 23-year-old Raytown man accused of stabbing a Metropolitan Community College dean in the neck shortly before a scheduled visit by Missouri's governor last year has been determined to be mentally incompetent to stand trial.

Casey Brezik glared as Circuit Judge Brian C. Wimes told him Monday he would be committed to the Missouri Department of Mental Health until he is deemed fit to face two counts of first-degree assault and two counts of armed criminal action.

"Does it specify there exactly why?" Brezik, clad in an orange jail jumpsuit and shackled at the hands and feet, asked Wimes of the court's decision. "Is this legit?"

The ruling means that Brezik lacks the capability to understand the proceedings and to assist in his own defense. The court will reconsider his competency to stand trial in six months.

Brezik is accused of stabbing Albert Dimmitt Jr., dean of instruction at the community college system's Penn Valley campus in Kansas City, in the neck Sept. 14 as Dimmitt and others were awaiting Gov. Jay Nixon's arrival to discuss federal grants for high-speed internet projects.

Nixon was still at a Kansas City airport when the attack happened, and the event was cancelled.

Kansas City police said Brezik told them he had intended to attack Nixon. He was arrested after being restrained by witnesses, including MCC Chancellor Mark James, a former law enforcement agent who was cut in the scuffle.

A police spokesman said detectives who interviewed Brezik after the attack said he had gone to a class at the college that Tuesday morning only to learn it was canceled because of the governor's visit. Police said he was wearing a bullet-proof vest.

Brezik's father previously has said his son has a long history of mental illness that it has not been adequately treated.

In court Monday, Brezik became clearly agitated as his attorney was leading him to a seat after Wimes issued his ruling.

"It doesn't matter," he said after she said something to him. "Not a damn thing matters now."

Brezik's attorney, public defender Ruth Petsch, declined to comment after the hearing.