Dane County woman committed to mental health facility after attempted stabbing

The 34-year-old woman hallucinated her father as the devil before the attack.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:09pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single kitchen knife against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the violence of a mental health crisis incident.A stark, gritty close-up of the weapon used in a mental health crisis underscores the need for better community support.Madison Today

A 34-year-old woman from Dane County, Wisconsin has been committed to a mental health facility for 20 years after attempting to stab her father to death. The woman claimed she hallucinated her father as the devil before the attack.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing mental health crises and the need for improved access to mental health resources and treatment, especially in cases where individuals pose a threat to themselves or others.

The details

According to authorities, the woman attacked her father in their Madison home, believing he was the devil. The father was able to disarm and restrain his daughter until police arrived. The woman was then taken into custody and evaluated, leading to her commitment to a mental health facility for 20 years.

  • The incident occurred on April 13, 2026 in Madison, Wisconsin.

The players

Dane County woman

A 34-year-old woman from Dane County, Wisconsin who attempted to stab her father after hallucinating that he was the devil.

The woman's father

The victim of the attempted stabbing, who was able to disarm and restrain his daughter until police arrived.

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What they’re saying

“This is a tragic situation that highlights the critical need for improved mental health resources and crisis intervention in our community.”

— Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Mayor of Madison, Wisconsin

What’s next

The woman will remain committed to the mental health facility for 20 years, receiving treatment and evaluation to determine if she can safely re-enter the community.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of accessible and comprehensive mental health services to prevent such violent episodes and ensure the safety of both individuals and the broader community.