A South Carolina woman accused of stabbing her Lyft driver 11 times and then stealing his vehicle was denied bond Friday as her defense team argued she was in the throes of a severe mental health crisis.
Naziyha Weatherall faces charges of attempted murder, carjacking, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime in Greenville County. The incident occurred on April 22, according to court records.
Prosecutors described the allegations as a "frightening factual scenario" during a bond hearing, asserting that Weatherall posed an extreme danger to the community. The victim was reportedly stabbed 11 times before his car was taken.
The driver's wife appeared in court, stating the trauma of the alleged attack prevented her husband from attending. She expressed concern that such violence could occur while her husband was simply providing a service, raising worries about the risks to others in the community.
Weatherall's attorney urged the court to consider her client's mental state, noting that she had no prior criminal record and was allegedly suffering a psychiatric emergency. The defense stated that Weatherall was experiencing paranoia, believing she was being monitored and targeted, which led her to seek a ride to report her fears to the police.
Her mother had reportedly called the police station to inform them of her daughter's intention to file a report, but the crisis reportedly worsened. The defense further claimed Weatherall believed she was being trafficked, panicked during the ride, and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and other mental health conditions.
According to her attorney, Weatherall is now medicated, stable, and competent, and the defense requested her release to arrange placement in a treatment facility with the help of relatives and a social worker. Weatherall's mother apologized to the driver's family, asserting her daughter is "not a criminal."
A judge ordered competency and observation evaluations in June. The bond request was denied Friday, and Weatherall is to remain jailed pending a psychological evaluation scheduled for September.
Lyft confirmed that it has permanently removed the rider accounts involved from its platform and is assisting law enforcement. A company spokesperson stated that "violence like this has no place in the Lyft community or in our society" and that the driver's well-being has been a priority, with the company reaching out to him and his family to offer support.