Damon Thompson, who is accused of stabbing a UCLA student during class in October, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in a pre-trial conference on Wednesday.
Thompson is charged with attempted murder with the special allegation of use of a knife, prosecuting attorney Kevin Halligan said.
Multiple psychiatrists will examine Thompson in a process that may take anywhere from six weeks to several months, Halligan said, after which the case will proceed.
Both Halligan and Thompson’s attorney declined to comment further on the case.
Thompson is currently in custody at Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles.