Fatal Utah County stabbing case moving along

PROVO — A man who police say repeatedly stabbed his father on Father's Day is mentally ready to proceed with his case.

Michael Kirsch, 31, was arrested June 15 in Orem after an argument with his father turned violent and he allegedly assaulted his father with a kitchen knife.

Christopher Kirsch was taken to Timpanogos Regional Hospital where he died soon after arriving from multiple stab wounds.

After a review by doctors, Kirsch was initially declared mentally unfit to proceed with his case of aggravated murder. However, he has since been restored to competency through his stay in the Utah State Hospital.

In 4th District Court Thursday, Kirsch's attorney, Tom Means, requested a preliminary hearing April 10, where prosecutors will present evidence and the judge will determine if the case should go to trial. This is Kirsch's second time through the competency process after being arrested in 2004 for fighting with and stabbing a man.

After being restored to competency in that case, Kirsch pleaded guilty and mentally ill and was sentenced to prison. He was released in March 2007 and was still on parole while living with his parents in June.

Since he has finished his treatment at the Utah State Hospital, Kirsch will return to being housed at the Utah State Prison because of his parole violation.

— Sara Israelsen-Hartley