A Macomb County judge has ordered an independent psychiatric evaluation for Endi Bala, the 24-year-old man accused of attempting to kidnap two children in two separate incidents last year. Judge Matthew Sabaugh's decision was made during a hearing this past Wednesday, as reported by WXYZ. Families of the alleged victims, who have been vocal in their demands for a second evaluation, regard Sabaugh’s move as a response to their "battle cry."
"I'm pleased that the judge heard our battle cry," Alecia Swejkoski, the aunt of one of the girls targeted by Bala, said after the court session, as noted by the same WXYZ report. Despite the proposed not guilty by reason of insanity plea which was anticipated earlier, relatives of the girls, still reeling from the events, have expressed their fury and blindsidedness, as described in a Detroit Free Press article.
The attempted abductions took place in Clinton Township and Sterling Heights in August 2024, with victims aged 15 and 7 at the time. The court has scheduled a hearing for March 20, where an independent expert will present their findings, adding to those of a psychiatrist from the Center for Forensic Psychiatry who had previously determined Bala was insane during the incidents, according to Detroit Free Press.
Advocates for the victims remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice, with Lori DeMars, the grandmother and guardian of the teen victim, saying, "If he is mentally insane, OK, justice to me is then plead guilty due to reason of insanity so it's on your record," in an interview given to WXYZ. The families, having previously been told by the prosecutor's office they would not be notified when Bala is released, are also seeking more clarity on his future and the protection of the community at large, something echoed by Coryne Childers, who’s daughter was one of the victims, in a conversation with CBS Detroit.
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido, in understanding the families' concerns, made it clear that he must rely on the expertise of professionals at the forensic center to make determinations of legal culpability. Lucido told CBS Detroit that while the perception might be that an insanity plea could result in an earlier release, the suspect often spends more time in mental health facilities than they would in prison. Despite the concerns, the legal process must be allowed to unfold with evidence and expertise at its center.
