STILLWATER (AP) - A judge in Washington County has ordered a psychological exam for a Stillwater man accused of fatally stabbing his father.

Prosecutors say 31-year-old William Scheel committed a vicious and unprovoked attack on his father and is a significant public threat. Scheel made his first appearance in court Wednesday in Washington County where he's charged with second-degree murder.

Judge John Hoffman ordered that Scheel be evaluated to determine if he's competent to assist with his defense.

Scheel is accused of stabbing his father, William Scheel, in the back of his neck several times on July 8. The defendant, diagnosed as a schizophrenic, was under civil commitment and living in a group home.

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