Psychologist says stabber could have experienced a psychotic break before UW attack [Video]

A psychologist who recently assessed Geovanny Villalba-Aleman believes he may have experienced a psychotic break before stabbing three people in a gender studies class at the University of Waterloo.

Villalba-Aleman has pled guilty to four assault-related charges for the June 2023 attack. He admitted to going into the classroom and stabbing the professor and two students with a large kitchen knife. Audio of the attack and video of the aftermath were submitted as evidence in the case during his plea hearing.

At the time of the attack, Villalba-Aleman was a 24-year-old international student who had recently graduated from the university.

Psychologist’s report

At his sentencing hearing Wednesday, the psychologist testified that Villalba-Aleman had a history of mental health challenges.

Dr. Smita Vir Tyagi said he struggled with low self-esteem at a young age, had trouble coping with failure and had an inability to connect on an emotional level.

“Other than in academics, …