A Waterbury man who is accused of stabbing his friend's 80-year-old grandfather in Bristol on Saturday night suffers from schizophrenia, according to his mother.
Eric Bowden, 23, is accused of stabbing 80-year-old Gary McCarthy at 115 Stearns St. in Bristol around 8 p.m. according to police.
Police said they found McCarthy on the grass, covered in blood, when they responded to 911 calls, according to the case report.
He had been stabbed five times in the leg and upper torso and told investigators the man who stabbed him was his grandson's friend, according to the case report.
McCarthy was transported to St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, where he underwent surgery, according to police.
When police spoke with McCarthy's grandson, he said he had not seen Bowden in two years, when the man showed up at the house around 10 a.m. on Saturday, wanting to hang out.
The grandson responded that it was not a good time, but he shook Bowden's hand and thought the interaction was positive, according to court documents. The grandson then left the house for the day.
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Around 8 p.m., Gary McCarthy heard his doorbell and a knock, so he answered the door and saw Bowdem, who asked if the grandson when home.
McCarthy said he'd check, then turned around and Bowden jumped on his back and started assaulting him, according to police.
Soon after, McCarthy's wife heard her husband calling out to call 911.
When police found Bowden, his hands were cut, his clothing was stained with something that looked like blood and he asked if "the man died," according to police.
Bowden was charged with criminal attempt to commit murder, assault of an elderly person and home invasion and he was held on $750,000 surety bond.
He appeared in court on Monday, where another court date was set for April 12. Bowden was placed on mental health and medical watch.
