Woman accused of attacking man on bus to undergo psychiatric evaluation

Cassie Darby, the woman accused of attacking a Mt. Airy man on the SEPTA 23 bus in May, has been ordered to get a psychiatric evaluation. Municipal Court Judge Karen Y. Simmons, says there are questions regarding Darby’s mental health and competency to stand trial.

Darby’s trial has also been postponed for a later date. Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney Willis Stamps requested a continuance so that Darby’s attorney can review videotape evidence. Stamps said that copies of the video were being made and “should be passed to the defense no later than next week.” No new trial date was set at today’s hearing.

The case had garnered considerable attention when Philadelphia police had distributed video of the alleged attack that took place May 31. Darby was apprehended by SEPTA detectives three weeks after the incident. 

Darby allegedly attacked Bas Slabbers on a southbound Route 23 bus travelling on Germantown Avenue, where she allegedly began punching him in the face and head while he was seating and reading e-mails on his phone. She left the bus at Germantown and Chelten avenues. Slabbers did not require medical attention.

Darby, 49, has a lengthy police record, which includes convictions for retail theft, public drunkenness, drug possession, prostitution, and simple assault. According to court records she is also currently awaiting trial on a charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Slabbers is a regular freelance photographer for NewsWorks.