Mental evaluation set for Cedar Rapids man accused of trying to kill neighbors

CEDAR RAPIDS - A judge suspended court proceedings Wednesday against a man accused of attempting to kill his next-door neighbors until a mental evaluation is conducted.

Sixth Judicial District Judge Paul Miller granted the defense's request for a competency exam of Joseph Pham, 42, of Cedar Rapids, who is charged with three counts of attempted murder and one count of intimidation with a dangerous weapon.

Pham will undergo the psychiatric evaluation and treatment, if necessary, at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center in Coralville. The medical report will be sealed when the court receives it.

Pham is accused of shooting a handgun at Brian Wilson, 39, his daughter Jayde Wilson and Tracy Moses in June at Moses' home. Brian Wilson was hit three times and seriously hurt.

Members of Pham's family, who are Vietnamese, said they have been subjected to racial harassment for years - first by Moses' ex-husband when he lived in the home, and then by Brian Wilson.

Pham's trial was previously set for Sept. 10, but that date will likely change based on the results of the evaluation.