DES MOINES, Iowa — A Des Moines man accused of stabbing his cousin to death won’t stand trial.
In January, Des Moines officers responded to a stabbing report in the 3400 block of E. 26th Street. When officers arrived at the home, they encountered Lyhung Thach, 25, in the driveway, who told them that someone was injured inside. First responders searched the home, where they found Peter Thach, 25, dead from multiple stab wounds.
The DMPD later arrested Lyhung and charged him with first-degree murder in Peter’s death. Lyhung and Peter were cousins.
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According to court records, in March Lyhung’s defense team filed a motion requesting that he undergo a competency evaluation to determine whether he’s fit to stand trial. Lyhung’s attorneys said in the filing that it’s believed that he’s suffering from a mental/neurological disorder, “preventing him from understanding the charge and the court proceedings.”
On Thursday, a hearing was held regarding the competency evaluation, where a Polk County judge ruled that Lyhung was unfit to stand trial. The order states that Lyhung has a mental disorder preventing him from understanding the proceedings and that he “poses a danger to the public peace and safety” and isn’t qualified to be released from custody…