A Glenburn man is accused of attempting to kill his grandmother with a hatchet and knife.
Ethan Herbert, 19, allegedly attacked his 59-year-old grandmother, leaving her with a “large deep gash” to her forehead on Sunday evening, according to a Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office report. The attack happened at the home the woman shares with her husband on Pushaw Road in Glenburn.
Herbert is charged with one felony count each of attempted murder, domestic violence elevated aggravated assault, and domestic violence aggravated assault. He had his first appearance Monday in Penobscot County court.
He did not enter a plea, which is standard in felony cases. It will be presented to a grand jury that will decide whether or not to indict him.
Herbert was arrested Sunday night when police found him walking on Pushaw Road, near the home where the assault happened, the report said.
The grandmother was taken to the hospital, where a “chunk” of her skull was removed, according to the police report in court records. She received six to eight stitches above her right eye. The Bangor Daily News does not name victims of domestic violence without their consent.
Herbert showed up at the house overnight, despite not being allowed at the home after a fight with his grandfather, the police report said. The woman was trying to keep Herbert calm and talk him into going to a hospital or homeless shelter, she told police.
For several hours Herbert said he had “The Grim Reaper” telling him to “Just do it, kill her, put her out of her misery,” according to the police report. He said he fought it but ended up losing control.
Herbert told police he had “smoked ice,” which is slang for methamphetamine. He also said he is prescribed medication for auditory hallucinations but that he was not taking them, according to court records.
After dinner that night, the grandmother felt a “strike to her head,” and thought Herbert had punched her at first, according to the report. She then had blood running into her eyes and down her face and saw Herbert holding a throwing knife with a short handle, the report said.
She tried to escape, using a chair and pillow to defend herself at different times, the report said.
During the attack, Herbert said “I’m sorry Grammie, but I have to,” the woman told police. After he said that, he started walking toward her with a “hatchet swinging it violently at her head and arms,” the report said.
She was able to get out of the house and ran away until she found help, the report said. She said she thought Herbert was going to kill her.
Herbert said he “fell to his knees with regret and remorse” after the attack.
At the house, police found a hatchet with hair and blood, along with a knife, that were allegedly used in the assault.
The grandmother was released from the hospital and taken back to her house, the report said.
Herbert was taken to the Penobscot County Jail after an evaluation at the hospital. He was granted a $15,000 bail during Monday’s hearing. He has not posted bail and likely won’t be able to afford it, his attorney said.
