NEW CASTLE (KDKA) – In Lawrence County, an ordained minister was in court Tuesday after he allegedly attacked his wife with a machete.

Michael Cook, 26, has been ordered by the court to undergo medical monitoring and mental health evaluations.

Cook allegedly attacked his wife, Virginia, on Feb. 7 with a machete.

As a result of the attack, she suffered multiple stab wounds and a collapsed lung.

During the attack, Cook growled and said he was Satan.

Cook’s mother said it was not evil that drove her son to carry out the attack, it was improper medical monitoring.

“He doesn’t remember [anything],” Sandy Cook said. “He said [he] and his wife were sitting there talking and just total blackness. And that’s because he was [overdosed] on lithium.”

He remains in custody and is charged with aggravated assault.

Virginia Cook attended the hearing today, but did not speak with reporters.

Sandy Cook said that the district attorney wants her son to get proper medical treatment, because incarceration won’t solve the problem.

After medical monitoring, he will go to an inpatient mental health treatment facility. If he is declared safe and able to stay on his medicine, he will return to the family.

As for the charges, his wife said she wants them to be dropped so they can return to a normal life.

RELATED LINKS

Lawrence Co. Man Allegedly Attacked Wife With Machete
More Lawrence County News
Pennsylvania State Police