Student Accused of Stabbing Professor Will Undergo Mental Health Evaluation

Salem, MA - A Salem State University senior who allegedly stabbed an English professor at the school's Meier Hall on Wednesday afternoon pleaded not guilty to the charges against him in court on Thursday afternoon.

Stephen Chastain, 24, of Amesbury was charged with attempted murder, mayhem, assault with a dangerous weapon, strangulation or suffocation, and assault and battery.

Chastain, a commuter and biology major at the school was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital. A motion was filed for dangeroursness hearing was scheduled for by Judge William Fitzpatrick.

Chastain was arrested shortly after the incident at Meier Hall on Wednesday.

Prosecutors said the attack against professor Pierre Walker happened in a men's bathroom. Chastain allegedly came out of a stall and started choking Walker, and then stabbed the English professor between 20-30 times in the cheek, arms, neck and hands, according to the Essex County District Attorney's office.

When Walker was able to get out of the bathroom, the attack continued but several witnesses came to his aid and the defendant fled. Chastain was apprehended by Salem State University Police after a witness followed him and informed police of his location.

It is not known what Chastain used to stab Walker, but it was not believed to be a knife, according to police.

Chastain is scheduled to be back in court on April 19.

Photo credit: WHDH, 7 News