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Lake Geneva man charged with attempted murder deemed mentally incompetent

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Damen E. Leroy

ELKHORN — A Lake Geneva man charged with attempted murder and arson is mentally incompetent for court proceedings and will be committed to treatment, a judge ordered Thursday.

Damen E. Leroy, 31, of 1053 Mobile St. is accused of stabbing 47-year-old Arthur Johnsen at Johnsen’s Delavan apartment and setting fire to the property. He faces 100 years in prison if convicted.

A psychologist's report containing details of Leroy's mental state was sealed by the court.

Other court documents indicate Leroy could become competent if provided with appropriate treatment. He poses a risk of harm to himself and others and needs medication, according to court documents.

Leroy is being held on $100,000 cash bond and is scheduled for an adjourned initial appearance March 3.

According to the criminal complaint:

Johnsen said he was sleeping in his apartment when he was attacked. Johnsen told officers Leroy had attacked him and "must have started" the fire.

Leroy was arrested at his home about an hour after the incident. Police said there appeared to be blood stains on his shirt, pants and both hands. He also had cuts to his right hand knuckles.

Policy reported Leroy admitted trying to kill Johnsen.

"I stabbed him, I was trying to kill him, and I should go to prison," he told police.

Leroy used an 11-inch knife he described as a "Rambo" knife. Johnsen was able to wrestle the knife away from Leroy. Leroy said he used books in Johnsen's room to start the fire because he wanted to burn the place and kill the Delavan man.