Despite Incompetency To Stand Trial Forshay Attacker Is Indicted on Murder Charges
Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced Wednesday the indictment of Grafton Thomas (DOB 7/19/82) of Greenwood Lake, New York on one count of Murder in the Second Degree, in the slashing attack during a Chanukah celebration at 47 Forshay Road, Monsey, Rockland County, New York.
On December 28, 2019, at approximately 9:52 pm., while inside the residence of 47 Forshay Road, Monsey, New York, Thomas violently attacked numerous individuals inside the home, slashing at least six individuals, with the intent to cause their deaths. One of the victims, Josef Neumann, eventually died as a result of Thomas’ brutal attack; this indictment is for the brutal murder of Mr. Neumann; the attempted murders for the other five victims are still pending.
On January 26, 2022, Thomas was arraigned in Rockland County Court by the Honorable Kevin F. Russo. At the court proceedings, it was agreed upon that Thomas after nearly two years of being observed by doctors while in a federal facility, as a result of mental disease or defect, lacks the capacity to understand the proceedings against him or to assist in his own defense at this time.
Thomas still remains charged with the 2020 indictment charging him with Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (6 counts), Assault in the First Degree (3 counts), Attempted Assault in the Second Degree (3 counts) and Burglary in the First Degree (2 counts).
On both Indictments and on all charges, Thomas was ordered to be committed to the custody of the Commissioner of Mental Health for care and treatment in an appropriate institution of the Department of Mental Health to be designated by said Commissioner for a period not to exceed one year from today. It was also ordered that if the person in charge of the institution in which Thomas is confined determines at any time that Thomas is no longer an incapacitated person, such person shall give notice in writing of such determination to this Court and to the District Attorney. It was further ordered that Thomas, be continued in detention at Rockland County Jail, New City, N.Y., pending designation of an appropriate institution by the Commissioner of Mental Health, and upon notice by the Commissioner of Mental Health of the designated institution, be delivered there by the Sheriff of Rockland County.
“The events that unfolded on December 28, 2019, shocked all of Rockland County and the country. This senseless act of violence resulted in the death of one individual and if not for the bravery of Yosef Gluck, many more could have been gravely injured or killed that night.
Today, we take one step forward on ensuring justice for the victims. My deepest sympathizes to all the victims of this horrific act of violence that December night. I would like to thank the many law enforcement agencies who have participated in this investigation. “ said District Attorney Tom Walsh.
Thomas faces a maximum of 25 years to life in state prison on the Murder in the Second-Degree charge.
The case is being prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney Dominic Crispino.
It should be noted that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
