Crime & Safety

Judge Allows Psychiatrist to Evaluate Man Accused of Beating Elderly Dad

An Orland Park man charged with attempted murder will undergo a second mental health evaluation before a trial begins.

A psychiatrist will evaluate an Orland Park man accused of attacking his father, after attorneys defending him said there is a possibility of psychosis.

Mark Williamson, 47, is charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery and unlawful restraint. He has been in custody since Nov. 2012.

Judge Colleen Ann Hyland ruled during a brief November hearing in Bridgeview that Dr. Stafford Henry would be able to conduct a psychiatric evaluation of Williamson. In August, Williamson’s attorneys David Byrne and Mike Brennan requested Henry, a psychiatrist, to be allowed to evaluate him after a psychologist had performed an earlier exam.

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Williamson didn’t speak during the hearing, and his father didn’t attend. Williamson was accused of choking his father, George Williamson, and slamming his head to the ground. George Williamson, 77, previously said a demon with slanted yellow eyes attacked him, and not his son. He has since said he was injured while falling and that his son did not try to kill him.

A public defender who previously represented Mark Williamson said he had not been taking medicine prescribed for mental health issues at the time of the incident.

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Mark Williamson is scheduled to be in court next on Dec. 16.

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