A man accused of stabbing his elderly relative to death could fight the allegation on the grounds that he was mentally impaired at the time of the attack.
Jordan Safi is facing a murder charge over the fatal stabbing of 91-year-old Youssef Ziri at a home in Roselands, in southwest Sydney, in January 2023.
The 27-year-old is seeking a medical assessment to potentially argue a mental-health defence, his lawyer told Burwood Local Court on Wednesday.
The matter was adjourned until a later date while the assessment takes place.
Emergency services were called to the home about 9.55pm following reports a man had been stabbed.
As well as finding Mr Ziri's body inside the property, two police officers suffered minor chemical burns from hydrochloric acid that was found spread around the home.
Safi was arrested a short time later on a nearby street and taken to hospital under police guard for treatment of arm and leg injuries.
He remains in custody.
Police were initially contacted by Mr Ziri's son, who had to be restrained by officers as Safi was taken away by officers.
Lifeline 13 11 14
beyondblue 1300 22 4636
