Psychologist, implicated in home invasion, sent for psychiatric evaluation

Naturally, the guy's lawyer is blaming the victim in this case. From the Flint Journal

A psychologist who allegedly attacked a family on Christmas Eve will likely be sent to a state facility next week for forensic testing himself.

But attorney Michael B. Haley, representing William L. Harshman, said the victim's financial dealings with his client, including a mortgage about a year ago, may have led to the attacks.

Harshman, 50, is charged with first degree home invasion and two counts of assault with intent to murder in the Dec. 24 incident.

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

Haley told Central District Judge Larry J. Strecco that he would be asking him to approve a motion Wednesday to have his client sent to the Center for Forensic Psychiatry near Ann Arbor for testing for criminal responsibility and competency for trial.

Outside the court, Haley said Harshman's alleged actions are out of character and he wants to determine his client's mindset before proceeding with the case.

"For someone with his background and the respect he commands, I need an expert to determine if he is psychologically sound," Haley said.

Harshman, shackled in court, said nothing during the short hearing.

Haley alluded to business dealings and refinancing transactions with Harshman and others that have led to about two dozen pending civil actions against the Heintz's in Genesee County Circuit Court involving breach of contract.

Haley said others who have been involved with the Heintz's "are victims."

Haley said the Heintz and Harshman families vacationed together in the past, at Traverse Coty and Florida, and that their children were together on Halloween.

Court records indicate Harshman was an instructor at Mott Community College for 14 years and a therapist at Oakland Psychological.

Harshman, who completed his doctorate and has no prior felony convictions, is being held without bond in the Genesee County Jail on the assault charges.

And you would think that a psychologist would be an excellent judge of human character, if his friends drove him to this point.