A woman in Greenville County, South Carolina, stabbed a Lyft driver 11 times before stealing his vehicle and driving away, authorities said Wednesday, adding that the suspect had allegedly called the rideshare service because she believed she needed to get to a police station.
Background
Naziyha Lanay Weatherall, 22, was working with Greenville County Sheriff's Office deputies on Tuesday when prosecutors detailed the events of April 22, when the violent attack occurred at an apartment complex near East North Street in Greenville. The male Lyft driver had received a ride request and arrived at the location to pick up a passenger—Weatherall. What happened next left him fighting for his life.
According to WHNS, Weatherall approached the driver's vehicle, stabbed him repeatedly in the head, and then took control of his car. The attack was unprovoked and swift, prosecutors said during the court appearance.
The victim's wife spoke publicly about the trauma her husband continues to endure. She described how he was simply trying to earn a living when he became the target of what she called an extremely violent assault that left 11 stab wounds across multiple areas of his body.
The Investigation
Greenville County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the scene at approximately 2:30 p.m. on April 22. First responders provided emergency medical care to the rideshare driver before transporting him to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. Weatherall was later taken into custody without incident following the investigation.
Weatherall faces charges of attempted murder, carjacking resulting in bodily injury, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, according to Greenville County jail records reviewed by Law&Crime. A judge denied her bond request—for not the first time—and ordered her to undergo a psychological evaluation next month.
Defense attorney Taylor Martin offered context on Weatherall's behalf, telling reporters she has no prior criminal history. Martin explained that Weatherall was experiencing an acute mental health crisis related to schizophrenia at the time of the attack. She allegedly believed she was being watched and under some form of threat or surveillance, which prompted her to call a Lyft so she could reach a police station to report what she believed was happening to her.
Her mother had even called ahead to notify authorities that Weatherall was on her way to file a report, according to the defense. Martin said during the crisis, Weatherall's condition deteriorated rapidly, and she became convinced she was being trafficked. In a state of panic, she attacked the driver instead of seeking help from law enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- The attack occurred April 22 at an apartment complex near East North Street in Greenville County, South Carolina
- Police say the victim sustained 11 stab wounds to multiple areas of his body before Weatherall took his vehicle
- Weatherall faces charges including attempted murder and carjacking resulting in bodily injury
- Defense attorneys say she was experiencing a mental health crisis involving schizophrenia at the time of the attack
- Her mother called police ahead of time to alert them that her daughter was coming to make a report
What's Next
Weatherall is due back in court for a psychological evaluation next month. She remains held without bond as the case proceeds through Greenville County Circuit Court. Investigators with the Greenville County Sheriff's Office continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding both the attack and Weatherall's mental state at the time of the incident.