Courtroom babbling puts sentencing on hold for man accused of attacking woman at Dearborn hospital

Judge orders psych exam for John Deliz

DEARBORN, Mich. – The man accused of attacking a woman in the lobby of Beaumont Hospital in Dearborn wasn't sentenced Wednesday because the judge ordered a psych exam.

John Deliz pleaded guilty in the case and was scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday, but the court proceedings didn't go as planned.

Local 4's video of Deliz attacking a young woman in a hijab inside Beaumont Hospital in February went viral. Though many saw it as a hate crime, Deliz was charged with a misdemeanor.

Deliz was incoherently babbling in the courtroom Wednesday, just days after he was evaluated by doctors and found competent. But the judge couldn't get a word in over Deliz, who appeared to be in distress.

The case is complicated. A few weeks ago, Deliz was given a $0 bond and placed on a tether. The judge said Deliz didn't charge the tether and he walked free. He was caught on video interacting with people in public.

Police picked him up Wednesday.

The proceedings aren't sitting well with the victim's attorney, who said Deliz is undercharged and the case is being mishandled.


About the Authors

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.

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