HALIFAX WOMAN, 20, IN CUSTODY AFTER STABBING SIX-YEAR-OLD, SEEKS NEW LAWYER
Elliott Chorny, 20, was arrested at the scene of the February 23 incident and charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon – a knife – for a dangerous purpose.During an appearance in Halifax provincial court, counsel for Chorny, lawyer Kelly Rowlett of Nova Scotia Legal Aid’s mental health services, requested to be removed as his legal representative due to a breakdown in their solicitor-client relationship.
The judge, Alonzo Wright, permitted her to withdraw from the case after confirming the situation.
Legal Aid has issued a certificate for a private lawyer to Chorny and supplied a list of lawyers for her to contact, with assistance from Legal Aid staff.
The case has been scheduled to return to court on August 27 for updates on Chorny's search for legal representation.
Chorny remains in custody at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility in Dartmouth.
She has a history of mental health problems, and in March she was remanded to the East Coast Forensic Hospital for a psychiatric assessment to determine whether she was suffering from a mental disorder at the time of the incident that could render her not criminally responsible.
The report was sealed by the judge in May citing sensitive information and unproven allegations.
On June 13, her lawyer was granted a two-month adjournment to review new evidence and seek a second psychiatric opinion.
Chorny was arrested and charged following a February 23 police response at a bus stop on Barrington Street where a six-year-old boy was found with multiple stab wounds and transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The child's condition was later reported as stable.
Dr.
Risk Kronfli, a forensic psychiatrist, prepared a report in May that has not been declared in court.
She has a history of mental health issues and has previously been connected with psychiatric assessments relating to her legal case.
The court considers her mental health condition as part of her ongoing legal proceedings.
