McHenry man charged with attempted murder of relative ruled fit to stand trial

A McHenry man accused last year of slashing a relative in the face and head with a knife is headed to trial after the court determined that he’s fit after six months of treatment.

Brandon L. Motter, 29, is charged with attempted first-degree murder, a Class X felony, and six counts of aggravated domestic battery, according to the indictment filed in McHenry County court.

At a hearing in front of Judge Tiffany Davis on Monday, Motter was found fit to stand trial, according to court documents. He was released on previous pretrial conditions that include staying away from the alleged victim, subjecting to GPS monitoring, surrendering firearms and refraining from alcohol and illicit drugs.

Motter pleaded not guilty of all charges but was found unfit to stand trial in June with “substantial probability” that he would attain fitness within one year with treatment, according to court documents. Since then, Motter was in treatment under the care of the Illinois Department of Human Services.

It’s been almost exactly a year since authorities said Motter committed the alleged crimes. On or about Dec. 21, 2023, Motter slashed a relative who is older than 60 once in the left cheek and once in his head, causing lacerations that required “immediate medical attention” and “numerous stitches to close the wound,” according to a criminal complaint and indictment.

Motter is scheduled to appear in court Feb. 4.