The sailor charged with attempted murder in the shocking knife attack on a June 2014 stabbing of a fellow petty officer in June 2014 is headed to a general court-martial.
Electronics Technician 3rd Class Wilbur Harwell is charged with attempted murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon. He is accused of a vicious attack on attacked Master at Arms 2nd Class Justin Powell in June 2014 at Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads Portsmouth Annex, an assault that locked down the surrounding base and launched a manhunt.
The decisionrecommendation for general court-martial was made Monday by Rear Adm. Rick Williamson, head commander of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, and based on the recommendation of hearing officer . His decision followed the recommendations of Lt. Cmdr. Paige Ormiston, who convened an Aug. 31 preliminary hearing to determine whether there was probable cause to believe an offense was committed, jurisdiction of the offense, and proper charges. The date of the court-martial has not been set. Harwell will remain in pre-trial confinement.
Defense attorneys at the preliminary hearing argued that significant mental health failures were factors in Harwell's actions. Harwell's civilian counselor, Greg McCormack, said his client suffers from "extremely serious psychological issues," had been subjected to as many as 12 electroshock treatments, and heard voices talking to him. He said a cold-turkey stop of a heavy medication regimen also played a role. McCormack then called on Williamson to recuse himself as the convening authority because long-form results of an April 2015 mental capacity hearing were sent to and reviewed by the former prosecutor, staff judge advocate, and Williamson.
Prosecutor Lt. Cmdr. Courtney Lewis said Harwell is competent to stand trial for his actions. He slit Powell's throat and stabbed him seven times in the chest and abdomen, and was still trying to attack Powell as bystanders pulled Harwell away. Lewis went on to say that Powell would have died had those people not been there and an operating room been so close.
Harwell served aboard the frigate Elrod from July 2011 to November 2013, when he reported to Naval Medical Center PortsmouthNavy Hospital Portsmouth. The Alabama native was assigned to Norfolk’s Transient Personnel Unit on Feb. 5, 2014.
Powell was assigned to Assault Craft 4 Shore Detachment, Norfolk, at the time of the stabbing. He and Harwell were receiving patient care at the time of the attack, and knew each other.
