Suspect Found Competent To Stand Trial In Westport Stabbing Case

STAMFORD, CT — Ellis Tibere, the 18-year-old Guilford man accused of stabbing a woman in a Westport parking lot on Jan. 6, has been found competent to stand trial.

Tibere appeared before Superior Court Judge Richard Comerford in Stamford on Tuesday where a report from the state Department of Mental Health was entered into the record and approved by Comerford.

In the report, the evaluators wrote that Tibere "demonstrated a factual and rational understanding" of the charges he faces. Additionally, he not only "displayed a factual knowledge of his legal situation" but also consistently showed an ability "to learn, retain, and utilize important information."

The evaluators, a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist and licensed clinical social worker, interviewed Tibere for the report earlier this month with his attorney, John Gulash, present.

"Mr. Tibere exhibited an ability to make rational decisions and realistically assess possible outcomes," the evaluators wrote. "The defendant was aware of the risk of going to trial and stated he would listen to the legal advice of his attorney."

Tibere has been charged with criminal attempt at murder in connection with the stabbing of a 33-year-old Greenwich woman in the parking lot of the New Beauty Wellness salon on the Post Road East in Westport. He had been placed on suicide watch following his arraignment last month.

The victim suffered leg injuries in the stabbing, and her attorney, Eugene Riccio, filed a motion Tuesday to have her vehicle returned to her. The motion was granted; the vehicle had been held as evidence.

Riccio, who spoke briefly following court, called the case "very serious," and added that his client did not attend Tuesday's hearing.

Tibere remains in custody on bail of $1 million, and Gulash will argue for a reduction in bail during another hearing in Stamford scheduled for Feb. 24. Like Riccio, Gulash also filed a motion to have Tibere's mother's vehicle returned to her, which Comerford also granted.

Tibere's family was present during Tuesday's hearing but did not speak to the press following the hearing.

"I don't want to speak about the specifics of the case," Gulash said outside of court. "This is difficult circumstances."

According to Westport police, Tibere drove from Guilford to Westport in the vehicle, waited in the parking lot and then attacked the victim, who police said he did not know. He was apprehended a short while later on the Sherwood Island Connector.