York Beach stabbing suspect found unfit for trial: 'We hope he gets the care he needs'

YORK, Maine — A man police say stabbed a stranger twice at York Beach in October has been found incompetent to stand trial and is undergoing treatment.

Daniel Orban, 72, of Windham, Maine, is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly stabbing a man in the chest and bicep in the Short Sands Beach parking lot on Oct. 12. The victim, Stanley Rhodes, of Manchester, New Hampshire, said he never met Orban, and the attack was an unprovoked surprise in broad daylight.

Orban was ordered after his arrest to be evaluated for his competence and for “insanity,” court documents from October show. On Jan. 24, Judge Jeff Moskowitz handed down an order stating Orban was incompetent to stand trial and would need treatment.

Orban was indicted on the charge in January. He is scheduled for a status conference March 5, according to court documents, as well as a dispositional conference and arraignment March 12.

Eric Rhodes, the son of the victim, said his father has completely recovered from the incident and returned to work. He said they hold no ill will against Orban.

“I don’t feel that we’re in any danger from this gentleman,” Eric Rhodes said. “I’m more interested in what he’s going to get for care.”

Previous story: York Beach attack victim says 'I’m still shocked that I got stabbed'

Orban alleged to have stabbed man twice at York Beach

Stanley Rhodes and his son Eric were at Short Sands Beach Oct. 12 to enjoy radio-controlled cars on the sand. They were packing up their truck to go home to New Hampshire when, police say, Orban said something to them. Stanley Rhodes said he couldn’t decipher what was said, except he heard Orban use a racial slur.

Stanley Rhodes said he turned and approached Orban, who police said was sitting in his parked SUV next to their truck. It was then police say Orban opened the car door, stepped out and stabbed him.

Orban drove away, according to police, while Stanley Rhodes sat back in his truck bleeding. First responders arrived and took him to a hospital, while police learned from Eric Rhodes what car Orban was driving. Authorities found Orban driving on Shore Road and took him into custody.

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Orban’s mental health in question early on

Orban’s attorney, Amy McGarry, filed a motion for a competency evaluation Oct. 17, a week after the stabbing occurred. The motion was unopposed by the state, according to court documents, and approved by the judge.

That same week, Eric Rhodes said in an interview Orban appeared unstable and “Not with all his facilities.” He said, at the time, Orban was making nonsensical statements to police that were racially charged. He said that included conspiracy theories about the CIA “controlling” white people and the CIA being controlled by Black people.

The recent order finding Orban incompetent to stand trial states that Orban will enter a program for observation, care and treatment. It says the Department of Health and Human Services will produce a report on his competency after 30 days or sooner, then at the end of 60 and 180 days, if recommitted. After that point, the order states there will be a hearing on Orban’s competency to stand trial.

Eric Rhodes said he will be following the outcome of the pending court dates. He said ensuring Orban can obtain effective treatment would give his family closure after a frightening encounter with a stranger.

“At this point, the poor guy, we hope he gets the care he needs,” Eric Rhodes said.

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This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: York Beach stabbing victim forgives assailant deemed unfit for trial