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Man accused in Winchester library murder to appear in court Friday

Jeffrey Yao appeared in court in February. Faith Ninivaggi/Pool

The man accused of fatally attacking Deane Kenny Stryker and wounding a 77-year-old man inside the Winchester Public Library is scheduled to be in Middlesex Superior Court on Friday to face charges including murder and assault and battery on a person over 60.

Jeffrey Yao, who had a long history of bizarre behavior linked to his chronic mental health condition, allegedly walked into the library on Feb. 24 and started stabbing Stryker, whom he did not know, fatally wounding her, officials have said.

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Yao also allegedly wounded Lester Taber, a 77-year-old patron who rushed to Stryker’s aid.

Following his arrest and arraignment in district court, Yao was ordered to undergo mental health evaluation and treatment at Bridgewater State Hospital. His defense attorney, J.W. Carney Jr., has said Yao has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and often has auditory hallucinations.

According to Middlesex District Attorney Marian T. Ryan’s office, Yao was indicted on multiple charges by the grand jury Thursday. He is scheduled to appear in the Woburn courthouse for arraignment Friday.


John R. Ellement can be reached at ellement@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @JREbosglobe.