Expert testifies Des Plaines man was insane when he stabbed woman
A clinical psychologist testified Thursday that Daniel Dion was insane when he stabbed a Vernon Hills woman more than 20 times outside a Deer Park movie theater in 2015.
Dr. Karen Chantry also said Dion, 20, was hospitalized three times in 2009 for depression and anger management. She said one of those hospital stays came after he chased his mother with a knife.
"He was aggressively acting out at times," Chantry said. "He was threatening family members both verbally and physically, and was cutting on himself."
Dion, of Des Plaines, has been on trial since Monday for attacking Katie King, 25, in the parking lot of the Century Theater at Deer Park Town Center. Dion faces up to 30 years in prison if found guilty of attempted murder, aggravated battery and witness intimidation.
He and King were co-workers and had previously dated when they decided to go to a movie Jan. 8, 2015. The two drove to the theater parking lot, then smoked some marijuana in the front seat.
King testified that Dion "aggressively" kissed her, before she felt an "explosion of liquid." She said she thought Dion hit her with a water bottle until she saw she was covered in her own blood.
Dion repeatedly tried to stab her with the 4-inch serrated knife as she screamed for help and tried to escape, King said. She finally broke free, but not until she was stabbed or cut on her face, back, neck, arms and chest.
She ran to the movie theater, where employees phoned police.
Police found Dion walking in a nearby industrial area, authorities said. When he saw police, Dion dropped to his knees with his arms in the air and said, "He made me do it," referring to a voice Dion allegedly hears in his head.
Dion told police after the attack he was a self-diagnosed schizophrenic, and suffered from bipolar disease.
Thursday, defense attorney Ian Kasper introduced Chantry as an expert witness after prosecutors rested their case Wednesday. Kasper said he intends to seek a not guilty by reason of insanity defense for Dion.