Psychologist files lawsuit against his couple for financial losses. Unfortunately, he's in jail for stabbing them first.

From the Flint Journal

A psychologist and former Mott Community College professor charged with stabbing a Grand Blanc Township woman is suing her and her husband, claiming they caused his financial ruin.

William L. Harshman is asking for damages of $5 million in his five-count civil suit.

Harshman also claims Kurt W. and Lisa N. Heintz caused the loss of his marriage and other woes, his attorney, Michael B. Haley said.

The Heintzes, whom The Journal has been unable to reach, have 21 days to respond to the lawsuit after they are served.

The case has been assigned to Genesee Circuit Judge Geoffrey L. Neithercut, but no trial or other dates will be scheduled until the Heintzes are served.

Harshman, 50, is charged with first degree home invasion and two counts of assault with intent to murder in a Dec. 24 incident at the Heintzes' Grand Blanc Township home.

Police and prosecutors said Harshman went to 8259 Pine Hollow and stabbed Lisa Heintz and Edward Lapine, 17, who was helping the Heintzes move from their residence.

Heintz suffered a broken arm while trying to defend herself from a knife blow. Lapine was stabbed in the back but managed to run and call for help. Neither injury was considered life-threatening.

Haley recently received approval from a judge to have Harshman examined at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry near Ann Arbor to determine if he is competent for trial and can be held criminally responsible for his actions.

"We believe Dr. Harshman was not competent or criminally responsible at the time these alleged acts occurred," Haley said.

In Harshman's lawsuit, Haley alleges that Harshman met Lisa Heintz in May 2005 when he began counseling her and providing psychological treatment.

He said the Harshmans and Heintzes became friends until last year, when mortgage and other business dealings crumbled.

He said Harshman lost $90,000 and began a string of bizarre behavior.

In days leading up to the Christmas Eve assault, Haley said Harshman began drinking heavily and popping pills, and planned to commit suicide in his garage through carbon monoxide poisoning.

Haley said Harshman's wife left, his daughter wants his parental rights terminated and he lost his job at MCC.

The Heintzes also are named as defendants in a bevy of lawsuits alleging they used straw buyers to act as fronts in obtaining bank loans, according to records in Genesee County Circuit Court. Police reports also indicate that Harshman was angry over a mortgage or real estate matter.

Harshman's criminal case is scheduled to continue March 19.

He is being held in the Genesee County Jail without bond.