Mental health exam ordered for man accused of attempted murder of social worker

Cedric Courtes Smith

By Joe Johnson

A homeless man who is charged with the attempted murder of a social worker for the homeless has been ordered by a judge to undergo a mental health evaluation.

Cedric Smith, 34, is indicated on charges of criminal attempt to commit murder, multiple counts of aggravated assault and aggravated battery, and possession of a knife during the commission of a felony,

The charges stem from Smith’s attack last summer on Chris Sullens, an employee at the Day Service Center for the homeless on North Avenue that is operated by Advantage Behavioral Health Systems.

The incident occurred after Smith was kicked out of the facility for bringing alcohol onto the premises.

He reportedly lay in wait with a machete for the Sullens, and attacked as the victim walked to his car after work.

The badly injured social worker was flown to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, where doctors saved his life, but were unable to save one of his eyes.

Chris Sullens

Shortly after Smith was indicted last month, his public defender filed a motion requesting a mental health evaluation to determine whether he was competent to stand trial.

Yhe motion was approved by Superior Court Chief Judge Lisa Lott, who on June 12th ordered Smith to be evaluated by the state Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.