Accused Hatchet Attacker Ordered to the Rusk State Hospital

MARSHALL — A man accused of attacking several persons with a hatchet at a Marshall Wal-Mart, has been ordered to the Rusk State Hospital. The order, issued Monday, said Christopher Lynn Hamilton will spend no more that 120 days at the hospital. According to the Marshall News Messenger, the order was based on a psychologist’s recommendation that Hamilton wasn’t competent enough to stand trial. Depending on the outcome of his hospital stay, Hamilton could later stand trial in the attacks.

The attacks occurred last December. Marshall police Detective Sonya Johnson said that Hamilton, a transient of Crawford, Arkansas, allegedly had the hatchet with him when entering the store. Two female workers and a male shopper were attacked. Both store employees received minor injuries. The customer was slightly hurt trying to help the workers and he didn’t seek medical help. Hamilton fled the store following the atatck. He was found in a wooded area near the store.