88-year-old Sophia Hintz charged in stabbing of her own son; ordered to have competency exam

MILWAUKEE -- 88-year-old Sophia Hintz is now charged with with one count of second-degree reckless injury in the stabbing of her own son.

Sophia Hintz

The victim in this case, Hintz's 68-year-old son, was stabbed once in the side but that wound did serious damage.

The public defender says there are serious questions about Hintz's ability to stand trial.

Hintz made her first court appearance on Friday, May 27th wearing a jail jumpsuit and appeared to flash a smile for the cameras.

Her defender says Hintz, at one point, thought she was in City Hall.

Sophia Hintz

"I will be raising competency because I do not believe Miss Hintz understands where she or what has, what charges are against her," said Victoria McCandless, public defender.

Sophia Hintz

Hintz has been held in custody since Wednesday night. Police arrested Hintz after responding to an incident at her house near near 66th and KK River Parkway Wednesday evening, May 25th.

The officials charge is second-degree reckless injury.

"I did review them with her and it seemed to be something that was completely unfamiliar to her," said McCandless.

According to court records, police were called to the home and found her 68-year-old son bleeding from his right upper side. The officer reported he had a "death-like appearance and was barely breathing."

The police report notes the "puncture went deep enough to contact Mr. Hintz's liver."

A detective found a steak knife in the bathroom -- that knife "appeared to have just been washed."

Neighbors say they feared for Hintz's well-being, adding police had been called to the home in the past.

Friday, the court commissioner laid out the next step for Hintz -- she is ordered her to be remanded to the Milwaukee County Sheriff`s custody for the purposes of being examined at the forensics unit.

The report on Hintz's competency will be presented in a little more than two weeks.

If convicted on the charge, Hintz faces up to 12-and-a-half years in prison and $25,000 in fines.

Police say her son remains in the hospital.