Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced that Grafton Thomas, the defendant charged in the 2019 Chanukah stabbing attack in Monsey, has once again been found incapacitated to stand trial.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, an order of retention was signed on January 13, 2026, by the Honorable Kevin F. Russo in Rockland County Court, determining that Thomas, 43, remains unable to understand the proceedings against him or assist in his own defense due to mental disease.
Earlier this month, the New York State Office of Mental Health filed an application seeking continued retention of Thomas, citing findings that he lacks the capacity to proceed in court. Thomas has been adjudicated an incapacitated person since 2020.
Thomas was charged with one count of Murder in the Second Degree and six counts of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree following the December 28, 2019 machete attack during a Chanukah celebration at a residence in Monsey, an incident that left multiple victims seriously injured.
Under the court’s most recent order, Thomas will remain committed for a two-year period, which may be renewed upon expiration. The case has been adjourned until January 2028.
Thomas is currently confined at the Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center, where he will continue to receive care and treatment under the custody of the Commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Health.
“We remain committed to seeking justice for the victims and to the safety of our community,” District Attorney Walsh said in a statement. “While the defendant has been found incompetent to stand trial, we will continue to work through the court process to pursue all appropriate legal action.”
The investigation was conducted by the Town of Ramapo Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Dominic Crispino.
B”H
Not justice denied. Rather, it’s justice on hold.
NOT trying an emotionally unstable person is just, although you might not like it.