Grafton Thomas, Accused In Machete-Wielding Hanukkah Attack, Declared Incapacitated Again

NEW CITY, NY — A judge has ruled that the man accused in a horrific attack at a Hudson Valley home is not fit for trial.

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced that 43-year-old Grafton Thomas, of Orange County, has been declared incapacitated after another order of retention was signed by a Rockland County Court judge, on January 13.

The Office of Mental Health filed an application in early January seeking an order for the continued retention of Thomas, based on findings that, due to mental illness, he lacks the capacity to understand the proceedings against him or to assist in his own defense.

Thomas had previously been charged with one count of second-degree murder and six counts of second-degree attempted murder for using a machete to stab people during a Hanukkah celebration in Monsey, on Dec. 28, 2019.

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Since 2020, Thomas has been adjudicated as an incapacitated person. The court's order is for a period of two years and may be renewed upon expiration, with the matter adjourned until January 2028.

Thomas remains at the Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center in New Hampton. Under the court's order, he will remain in custody of the Commissioner of the Office of Mental Health for care and treatment in an appropriate facility operated by the Office of Mental Health, as designated by the commissioner.

"We remain committed to seeking justice for the victims and to the safety of our community," DA Walsh said. "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."