Judge orders psychological testing for attempted murder suspect

James Polacheck's behavior on May 18 suggested a man with a troubled psyche. An order for a psychological evaluation from a Cook County judge will determine whether that's the case.

According to Arlington Heights police, the 51-year-old Arlington Heights man punched and stabbed his wife Eda Polacheck in the back during a domestic dispute two months ago before turning the knife on himself. Police contend he slit his own throat and stabbed himself in the abdomen in an attempt to cover up the crime. Upon his release from the hospital, they charged him with attempted murder and aggravated battery.

On Thursday, the frail-looking Polacheck stood with his head bowed before Associate Judge Joel L. Greenblatt as his attorney, public defender Larry Kugler, requested an evaluation to determine whether Polacheck was sane at the time of the events and whether he is fit to stand trial.

Polacheck remains in Cook County jail on a $450,000 bond. His next court date is Aug. 21, although Kugler said the psychological examination may not be complete by then.

• Daily Herald staff writer Sheila Ahern contributed to this report.