Murder Suspect to Undergo Competency Exam

The defense attorney for a 42-year-old Grosse Pointe Park man charged with murdering his next-door neighbor was successful Monday in requesting that he undergo an examination regarding competency and criminal responsibility.

Ray Paige, who is representing Myron T. Williams, asked Grosse Pointe Park Municipal Court Judge Carl Jarboe for an order to have his client examined at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry. 

"There are some things I saw in the mental health of my client right now that leads me to be believe he needs to be evaluated," Paige said. "It is something that a lawyer sees relative to the health of his client and wants to make sure he is ready for this big battle."

Jarboe approved the request, and set the preliminary exam for Oct. 10. The court also will make the determination on that date if Williams is competent to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder, felony murder and unarmed robbery in the May 15 death of Sabrina Gianino.

Wayne County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Molly Kettler said during the proceedings that she plans on calling 10 witnesses during the preliminary exam.

Paige added that he believes the case by the prosecution is based on "circumstantial" evidence.

"I don't have any DNA evidence, any hair fiber evidence, anything to support the notion that he has ever been in this woman's house," said Paige, who added that while he might have been in possession of items belonging to Gianino it did not "equate to murder."

"I welcome the prosecutor, and the Grosse Pointe Police, to give me something tangible to show me that my guy has been in that house and that my guy was involved in the strangulation of this young lady," Paige added. "I have not seen it yet."

Williams is being held in the Wayne County Jail without bond.