Stabbing Suspect in Ex-Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan’s Near-Fatal Attack Faces December Competency Review

FALL RIVER – Corree K. Gonzales, the man accused of brutally stabbing former mayor Will Flanagan last month, did not appear at a status hearing in Fall River District Court on Monday but was given a new court date of Dec. 4 for a competency hearing, according to his attorney, James Vital.

Gonzales, 31, in an earlier hearing, was ordered by a judge to undergo a 20-day mental health evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital to assess his competency to stand trial.

During a brief hearing, Vita indicated that Gonzales was in lock-up and requested that he be sent back to Bridgewater, but it was not immediately clear where he was transported.

He’s being held without bail.

Gonzales, 31, is charged with armed assault to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon for the unprovoked attack that occurred Oct. 20 at 5 p.m. on Hartwell Street outside of the marijuana dispensary where he is a co-owner.

He is also facing charges for assaulting police officers during his arrest the following morning. 

Flanagan suffered life-threatening injuries to both sides of his neck and head, required surgery, and spent six days on life support at St. Luke’s Hospital. 

At home in recovery, Flanagan has publicly forgiven Gonzales, but is calling for change in the mental health and criminal justice systems.

Gonzales has a lengthy criminal and mental record that dates back to 2013, which includes multiple charges of assault and battery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.