Calgary acupuncturist stabbing suspect ordered to see forensic psychiatrist

The woman at the centre of a fatal stabbing of an acupuncturistat a Calgary clinic showed up in court on Friday to support her husband, who is charged with first-degree murder.

Jin Qing Huang was ordered to see a doctor over mental health concerns.

Heisaccused of killing acupuncturistTiejunHuang, 51, who was stabbed to death at a Calgary clinic last week.

"This is an extremely difficult situation," said Huang's lawyer, Adriano Iovinelli. "People can't imagine the stress that's caused by this."

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Huang is accused of confronting the victim, believing there was an inappropriate relationship between his wife and the doctor, according to police.

Huang's wife left the courthouse quickly after her husband's appearance.

Police say whileHuangand the victim share a surname, they are not related.

Earlier in the week, through a Cantonese interpreter, Huang would not say whether or not he understood the charge he was facing after it was read to him, asking if he could instead remain silent.

That is part of the concerning behaviour that led Iovinelli to ask that his client be ordered to see a forensic psychiatrist on Monday.

"The concern is whether or not he's shut down mentally or emotionally," said Iovinelli.

"Right now it's just a concern that he understands the process;the roles of the Crown, the judge, the defence counsel there are apparent mental health concerns and they should be addressed right now before taking any instructions."

Huang has no criminal record.

If, on Monday, the doctor findsthere are mental health concerns, a 30-day psychiatric assessment will be ordered.

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