A South Carolina woman accused of stabbing a Lyft driver 11 times and taking his vehicle has been denied bond in Greenville County. Naziyha Weatherall faces charges of attempted murder, carjacking and possessing a weapon during a violent crime. Her defense attorney said she was experiencing a severe psychiatric crisis involving paranoia and schizophrenia at the time of the alleged April 22 attack. A judge ordered her to remain jailed pending a psychological evaluation scheduled for September.
| 1) | Charges follow an alleged attack during a rideshare trip |
|---|---|
| 2) | Prosecutors describe a serious public safety risk |
| 3) | Defense points to alleged psychiatric emergency |
| 4) | Court orders competency and psychological evaluations |
| 5) | Rideshare company says driver support remains a priority |
Charges follow an alleged attack during a rideshare trip
The charges against Naziyha Weatherall stem from an incident reported in Greenville County on April 22. Investigators allege that Weatherall stabbed a Lyft driver 11 times before taking his vehicle. The case includes attempted murder, carjacking and possession of a weapon during a violent crime charges.
The driver was working when the alleged attack occurred. His wife appeared in court on his behalf, saying the trauma prevented him from attending the bond hearing. The allegations remain unproven in court, and Weatherall is presumed innocent unless found guilty.
Prosecutors describe a serious public safety risk
During Friday’s bond hearing, prosecutors characterized the allegations as a frightening factual scenario and argued that Weatherall posed an extreme danger to the community. A solicitor emphasized that the driver was providing a service rather than seeking a confrontation.
“The victim was simply just trying to do his job and was stabbed 11 times. Not only was he stabbed 11 times, his car was then carjacked by this defendant.”
The driver’s wife told the court that the family was concerned about the broader risk to people who work in the community. She said the alleged violence occurred while her husband was simply doing his job.
“If this level of violence could happen to someone who was simply doing his job, we are concerned about potential risks to other people in our community.”
Defense points to alleged psychiatric emergency
Weatherall’s attorney asked the court to consider her mental state when assessing the case. The defense said she had no prior criminal charges and was experiencing a psychiatric emergency marked by paranoia. According to the attorney, Weatherall believed that people were monitoring her and trying to harm her.
The defense said Weatherall summoned a rideshare vehicle because she intended to report those fears to police. Her mother reportedly contacted a police station to say that Weatherall was on her way to make a report, but the crisis worsened during the ride. The attorney also said Weatherall believed she was being trafficked and had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and other mental health conditions.
The defense described Weatherall as medicated, stable and competent at the time of the hearing. Her attorney asked for release so relatives and a social worker could arrange placement at a treatment facility. Weatherall’s mother apologized to the driver’s family while asking the court to account for her daughter’s mental health.
“She’s not a criminal. She would never, ever, ever hurt anybody like that.”
Court orders competency and psychological evaluations
Court records show that a judge ordered competency and observation evaluations in June. On Friday, the judge rejected Weatherall’s bond request and ordered that she remain in jail while the case proceeds.
A psychological evaluation is scheduled for September. The assessment is expected to address her mental condition and may inform future court proceedings, although the available records do not establish the final findings or determine the outcome of the criminal charges.
Rideshare company says driver support remains a priority
Lyft said it permanently removed the rider accounts involved from its platform and has continued assisting law enforcement. The company also said it contacted the driver and his family to offer support.
“Violence like this has no place in the Lyft community or in our society. The driver’s well-being has been our priority, and we have reached out to them and their family to offer support.”
The case remains pending in Greenville County. Weatherall’s attorney was contacted for comment, but no additional response was provided in the available report.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Weatherall faces attempted murder, carjacking and weapons charges. |
| 2 | The alleged attack occurred during a Lyft trip on April 22. |
| 3 | The defense cited schizophrenia, paranoia and a psychiatric crisis. |
| 4 | A judge denied bond and ordered a September psychological evaluation. |
Summary
The court denied bond for Naziyha Weatherall after prosecutors argued that the alleged stabbing and carjacking demonstrated a serious danger to the community. Her defense has focused on an alleged mental health crisis, while a psychological evaluation is scheduled for September. The criminal case remains unresolved, and the allegations have not been adjudicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does Naziyha Weatherall face?
She faces charges of attempted murder, carjacking and possession of a weapon during a violent crime in Greenville County.
What did the defense say about her mental health?
Her attorney said she was experiencing a severe psychiatric crisis involving paranoia and schizophrenia. The defense also said she is now medicated, stable and competent.
What happened at the bond hearing?
The judge denied bond and ordered Weatherall to remain jailed pending a psychological evaluation scheduled for September.
What has Lyft said about the case?
Lyft said it permanently removed the rider accounts involved, continued assisting law enforcement and offered support to the driver and his family.
