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Defense requests psych exam for Des Plaines man accused of stabbing Vernon Hills woman in movie theater parking lot

The attorney for a Des Plaines man accused of repeatedly stabbing and slashing a co-worker outside of the Deer Park movie theater this year said he is considering whether to pursue an insanity defense in the case.

Attorney Ian Kasper was granted a request by Judge Daniel Shanes to have a court-appointed psychologist examine Daniel Dion, 19, who is accused of the Jan. 8 attack on Katherine M. King, 24, of Vernon Hills.

“I don't know if I have an insanity defense at this point,” Kasper told Shanes, adding his hope is the tests will determine how to proceed.

Assistant State's Attorney Michael Ori did not object to the psychologist exam. Dion's trial was removed from April 21 trial call.

Dion, who is held in Lake County jail on no bond, told Shanes he would “cooperate with that” when asked if he was willing to meet the court-appointed psychologist.

He has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm and aggravated battery in a public place for stabbing King more than 20 times in the face and neck with a 4-inch serrated blade, authorities said.

Dion told King to meet him at the Century Theater at Deer Park Town Center on the 21000 block of West Field Parkway under the ruse he wanted to go to a movie with her, authorities said. Dion later told police he woke up with the intent to kill King because “she annoyed him,” authorities said.

King was able to escape the car and run into the theater, authorities said, where employees called for help. She was taken to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights with two punctured lungs and more than 20 slash and stab wounds, authorities said.

Dion was taken into custody outside of the movie theater, then transported to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital near Barrington for treatment of cuts to his hands, authorities said. He was later taken to the Lake County sheriff's office, where he confessed to the attack, authorities said.

Dion could be sentenced up to 30 years in prison if found guilty of attempted murder. He also faces up to 15 years in prison on any of the three aggravated battery charges.

A new trial date is expected to be established after the psychologists exam is completed. Shanes set May 7 for a status date.

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