In a shocking turn of events, Martial Simon, the homeless man accused of fatally shoving Michelle Go into an oncoming subway train in Times Square, exploded in Manhattan court on Tuesday. This outburst occurred after prosecutors argued that Simon had been deemed mentally fit to stand trial for the January 2022 slaying that sent shockwaves through the city.
Simon, 63, had been confined to a maximum-security state psychiatric facility on Wards Island two years ago. However, he has since passed a mental health evaluation, according to prosecutors in Manhattan Supreme Court. Despite this determination, Simon’s composure quickly unraveled during the brief hearing. He attempted to address Judge Althea Drysdale before erupting with expletives, expressing his disdain for the court officers who promptly removed him from the courtroom.
His defense attorney, Mitchell Schuman, revealed that Simon continues to experience delusions, including a belief that aliens will come to “save” him due to his perceived “supernatural” status. Schuman cited a staff report from the Kirby Forensic Psychiatric Center on March 27, just a week before the conclusion of the prosecution’s mental evaluation. Schuman argued that Simon was not competent to stand trial and requested an evaluation by the defense’s own experts.
Simon had been transferred to the state Department of Mental Health and Hygiene on April 20, 2022, after prosecutors initially deemed him unfit to stand trial. However, he was sent back to Rikers Island on April 17 after Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Constantine Coritsidis confirmed his mental health exam results. Schuman criticized the prosecution’s findings as “incredibly unethical” and pointed to recent Rikers records that indicated Simon’s persistent delusions and paranoia.
The judge ordered for Simon to undergo another examination by the defense before his next court appearance scheduled for May 27. Simon’s family has disclosed that he had a history of schizophrenia and had been in and out of mental health facilities for over two decades prior to the tragic incident on January 9, 2022. Authorities allege that Simon brazenly admitted to randomly pushing Go, a 40-year-old senior manager at Deloitte, off the platform at the Times Square station as she awaited a southbound R train. He now faces charges of second-degree murder.
1 Response
This incident is indeed tragic and shocking. It is important to remember that mental health issues can often play a significant role in cases like these. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, it is crucial to seek help and support. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a great resource that provides education, support, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions. They offer helplines, support groups, and educational resources to help navigate through difficult times