Court case for woman charged in stabbing of child delayed until next month

A woman accused of stabbing a child on a downtown Halifax street is facing a delay in her court proceedings as she awaits her fate. Elliott Chorny, 19, is facing charges of attempted murder and weapons offences following the incident on February 23.

In a court appearance in March, Nova Scotia Provincial Court Judge Alonzo Wright ordered Chorny to undergo a 30-day psychiatric assessment to determine if she should be held criminally responsible for the attack. However, during a recent court appearance in Halifax, Chorny’s lawyer, Kelly Rowlett, informed the court that she had only received the psychiatrist’s report the day before the hearing.

Rowlett explained that she had not had the opportunity to discuss the report with her client, who is currently being held at the East Coast Forensic Hospital in Dartmouth, the province’s only secure mental health facility. As a result, Judge Wright agreed to postpone the matter until June 13 to allow for further review and discussion between Chorny and her legal counsel.

During the court proceedings, Chorny, who appeared via video, unexpectedly went out of view of the camera and did not respond to calls to reappear. Judge Wright subsequently ordered Chorny to appear in person for the upcoming June court date to ensure her presence and participation in the proceedings.

The delay in Chorny’s case highlights the complexities and challenges of navigating the legal system, particularly in cases involving mental health considerations. It underscores the importance of thorough assessments and consultations to ensure fair and just outcomes for all parties involved.

As the case continues to unfold, the community awaits the final decision on Chorny’s charges and hopes for a resolution that takes into account the well-being and safety of all individuals impacted by the incident.