Cornelius Williams found competent to stand trial facing charges in connection with May attack on Margaret Street

Judge Dana Pierce at Boston Municipal Court has formally ruled that Cornelius Ivey Williams is competent to stand trial.

Williams, arrested May 14 and charged with felony indecent assault and assault to rape, had been under court-ordered psychiatric evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital since late May. The court initially ordered his hospitalization on May 23 following expert testimony from Dr. Jackson recommending competency treatment. A follow-up order on June 4 extended the examination period, keeping Williams committed until today’s hearing.

Judge Pierce concluded that Williams is competent to stand trial, enabling the Commonwealth to proceed with its dangerousness hearing and ongoing pre-trial preparations. Williams will remain detained without bail at Suffolk County Jail ahead of the July 18, 2025 probable cause hearing.

Update - July 20th, 2025

The Commonwealth reported at the July 18 probable cause hearing that it was not ready to present. Judge Nicholas Brandt rescheduled the hearing for August 13th.

For now, Williams will continue to be detained without bail. Massachusetts allows defendants to be held without bail for up to 120 days prior to trial if they are deemed "dangerous" - which Williams was. However, the 120-day window expires on September 17th.