Man accused of gouging out security guard’s eyes granted third psychological evaluation

DAYTON — A jury trial has been pushed back for the man accused of beating a woman and blinding her during an attack.

In November 2023, James Fickling entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.

As News Center 7 reported at 5:00, a doctor will evaluate him for a third time.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Decision made on competency of man accused of gouging out security guard’s eye

The most recent evaluation was ordered just days before the trial was supposed to start.

As News Center 7 previously reported, Gloria Courtney was working as a security guard when she was nearly beaten to death and blinded in the attack in October 2023.

>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Mental evaluation ordered for man accused of gouging out security guard’s eye

Prosecutors say Fickling walked into the Premier Health building in downtown Dayton where Courtney was working, pulled the fire alarm, and assaulted her.

“I could tell something was wrong the minute I laid eyes on him,” Courtney said.

Courtney told News Center 7 that she also suffered a broken skull, a badly damaged cheekbone, a cut on her head that required staples, and bruising all over her body.

Dayton Firefighters responding to the alarm call helped her.

“I probably wouldn’t be here today if that alarm wasn’t going. So I thank God for those people that showed up,” Courtney said.

After Thursday’s hearing, it will be at least another four months before a jury hears the case.

We will continue following this story.

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