Judge drops attempted homicide charges in 2021 assault on Columbia man; attacker committed to state hospital

Michael A. Newport 

A Lancaster County judge dropped attempted homicide and related charges against a man charged in a 2021 assault that fractured a Columbia man's skull after determining the attacker will likely remain incompetent for some time.

Judge Thomas Sponaugle also on Wednesday ordered Michael Newport, 39, be involuntarily committed to Wernersville State Hospital in Berks County, where he will undergo involuntary treatment and yearly evaluations to determine whether he becomes competent. 

The judge found Newport, who was homeless at the time of the attack, a danger to himself and others if released. 

Newport was charged with attempted homicide, burglary and aggravated assault after police said he walked in through the back door of the victim's home on July 8, 2021, chased the man around and beat him, breaking his skull.

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