A Mobile County circuit judge Friday found a man accused of attempted murder not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect in connection with a 2018 stabbing at a popular Mobile bar.
Robert Chapman, 43, stabbed Cedric Sutherland in the neck, shoulder and chest, during an altercation June 24, 2018 at Callaghan’s Irish bar in the Oakleigh Garden District. The incident was recorded on surveillance video.
Other patrons at the bar helped bring Chapman under control before emergency services arrived. Sutherland survived his injuries.
In a five-page order, Circuit Judge Ben H. Brooks said testimony showed Chapman “was unable to appreciate the nature and quality of his actions.”
Brooks relied on testimony at trial from Dr. Anna Smith, a forensic examiner with the Alabama Department of Mental Health Forensic Outpatient Program. Smith was not an expert witness called by the defense.
Chapman said he had been at the bar for about three hours before the altercation, and had consumed several drinks. However, Smith testified that Chapman was unable to appreciate the nature of his acts due to post-traumatic stress disorder. Chapman is a military veteran.
“I would say I’m 99 percent confident or more. I have to say, this is one of the most clearcut cases I have ever seen of PTSD operation when something has occurred,” Smith testified, according to Brooks.
The judge also said the state did not offer any evidence to rebut the diagnosis.
Brooks ordered that, as a condition of Chapman’s release, he should not consume alcohol or illegal drugs, and submit to random testing by the Alabama Department of Mental Health or the Veterans’ Administration.
In addition, Chapman must submit to VA mental health treatment and take any medication prescribed by providers. Brooks also ordered reports on Chapman’s progress every six months.
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