Crystalyn Knuth, accused in a stabbing incident in August, on Monday was found competent to stand trial for assault in the Delta County 94th District Court. Judge Steve Park's ruling comes after a forensic examiner's assessment. (Sophie Vogelmann | Daily Press)

ESCANABA – A woman accused of assault after a stabbing in Escanaba on Aug. 11 was ruled competent to stand trial Monday.

Crystalyn Dixie Knuth, who is lodged in the Delta County Jail, and her attorney, Jennifer J. France, appeared via Zoom on Monday in the Delta County 94th District Court before Judge Steve Parks. Assistant Prosecutor Lauren Mattson was in the courtroom.

An examiner at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry in Saline, Mich., found Knuth has the capacity to understand the proceedings and charges against her and to assist in her defense. A preliminary exam or a probable cause conference will now be scheduled.

France stated she will contact the forensic center to get a criminal responsibility assessment scheduled as well.

Knuth is charged with one count of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder or by strangulation. The charge stems from a stabbing incident that occurred at about 7:30 a.m. Aug. 11 in Fairview Estates, 1401 N. 23rd St. in Escanaba. The felony carries a sentence of 10 years and up to $5,000 fine.

During the competency hearing Monday, Parks also addressed a recent landlord/tenant matter heard in court regarding a mobile home Knuth previously occupied that is in her and her mother’s name.

A buyer wants to purchase the property but questions remained about Knuth’s competency. The sale can proceed now that Knuth has been found competent, France said.