William R. Hodge (Courtesy Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail)
A 69-year-old man accused of hitting a 70-year-old woman in the back of the head with a hammer will undergo a mental health and sanity evaluation.
William R. Hodge, a James City County man, was arrested in early November after police responded to the Fox Ridge neighborhood off Centerville Road for a report of an assault.
Stephanie Williams, a spokesperson for the James City County Police Department, said the alleged victim, who is known to Hodge, told police he attacked her with a hammer and caused two or three lumps and lacerations on the back of her head.
The woman fled to a neighbor’s house after the alleged attack, and medics treated her on the scene, a police report states.
Williams said Hodge told officers he “wasn’t sure why” he allegedly attacked her.
Defense Attorney Leigh Major said Hodge’s suspected actions were “completely uncharacteristic” and that this was a “significant issue” that required a complete mental health evaluation.
The alleged victim was present during Hodge’s hearing Friday in Williamsburg-James City County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District courtroom and asked for an extension on her protective order against Hodge, but requested she be allowed to visit him if he is hospitalized.
“You can’t have it both ways,” Williamsburg-James City County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Judge George Fairbanks IV said at Friday’s hearing, denying her requested exception to the order.
Hodges will be back in court at 9 a.m. Feb. 6 for a preliminary hearing.
Related Coverage: