Trial delayed in Manchester pacemaker attack

An Iowa man accused of cutting his father's pacemaker from his chest with a pocketknife now is set to go to trial in August.

The Delaware County trial for 32-year-old Jesse Fierstine of Manchester has been delayed until Aug. 4. It was to begin on May 5. Mental health evaluations have delayed the case. In February a judge ruled Fierstine competent to stand trial.

Fierstine is accused of attacking his 63-year-old father, Charles Fierstine, on April 25, 2009. Charles Fierstine recovered. Authorities have not indicated a possible motive, but relatives have said Jesse Fierstine suffers from mental illness.

Firestine is charged with attempted murder and willful injury. He has pleaded not guilty.

-- Associated Press

• RELATED: Sept. 17, 2009: Another mental evaluation set for man accused of cutting out father's pacemaker