Jamestown  (CSi)  31 year old Jason Benefiel, a former State Hospital Patient, has been bound over for trial, following his preliminary hearing Wednesday in Southeast District Court in Jamestown before Judge Daniel Narum.  Benefiel remains in custody pending further court appearances.

Benefiel is accused of striking and choking an employee of the State Hospital on March 29, 2019.

He’s charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault.

The Stutsman County State’s Attorney’s Office is also alleging he is a habitual offender and would double the possible penalty for the charges to life in prison on the attempted murder charge plus 10 years in prison on each of the aggravated assault charges.

Benefiel’s court appointed attorney, Scott Sandness indicated that the case is now assigned to a trial judge and motion hearings concerning Benefiel’s mental health at the time of the incident are anticipated.

Benefiel is charged with criminal attempt – murder, a Class A felony, and two counts of aggravated assault, Class C felonies. The Stutsman County state’s attorney’s office is also alleging he is a habitual offender which would double the possible penalty for the charges to life in prison on the attempted murder charge and 10 years in prison on each of the aggravated assault charges.