Medford Man Who Stabbed Victim with Decorative Sword Deemed Unfit for Trial

MEDFORD, Ore. — A 24-year-old Medford man who admitted to police that he attacked Daniel Szabo (51) with a decorative sword is unfit to stand trial and has been committed to Oregon State Hospital for evaluation.

Marzelle Omari Tyree Culver appeared in the Jackson County Circuit Court earlier this week for a fitness to proceed hearing. The court ruled that Culver was unfit to stand trial based on an evaluation of his mental health.

He Had a No-Contact Order Against the Victim and the Property

Culver has entered a not guilty plea to six felony counts related to the attack of Szabo on 26 December 2024 that include attempted assault and weapons charges.

He had a no-contact order on the premises and the victim at the time of the attack. Culver is also prohibited from buying or possessing firearms under federal law.

The incident took place at 1097 Beatty Street when, according to a witness, Culver snatched a decorative sword displayed on a wall and stabbed Szabo. When Medford Police arrived on the scene, they found the victim with arm, neck, and head wounds. He recovered in hospital.

On Tuesday, the court ruled that criminal proceedings against Culver be suspended while he undergoes treatment and evaluation at the State Hospital.