MONROE — The area man accused of first-degree attempted homicide in the stabbing of his mother last April was set to appear in Green County Circuit Court on the charges last Tuesday, having already pleaded not guilty to the crime through his attorneys. 

Ryan Gregory Lewis, 29 at the time of the crime, was set to appear at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 2 before Circuit Judge Thomas Vale for a motion and or pre-trial hearing. Court records indicate he has pleaded not guilty and was considering a plea of not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.

The original ordeal began when police were called to the 900 block of 24th Street just after 5:30 a.m. on April 14 for a report of a man attacking his 63-year-old mother with a knife. When a second son — a 32-year-old man according to police — intervened in the alleged attack, the brother with a knife fled in a vehicle.

Just over a half hour after the incident, police tracked down and arrested Ryan Gregory Lewis, 29. He was eventually charged with first-degree attempted homicide and physical abuse of an elder.

Both the mother and second son were injured in the attack, according to Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelly. Lewis has appeared in court represented by his attorneys, Jane Krueger Smith and Adam Thomas Witt, according to court records. 

Lewis remains in custody in Green County Jail. 

— Gary Mays