News: Anthony Mehlhaff Pleads Not Guilty To Felony Counts

Punk-metal band Cancer Christ’s singer, Anthony Mehlhaff, has officially pleaded not guilty to a range of felony counts connected to a 2024 incident that took place near Yosemite National Park on August 21, 2024. Following his arrest, the singer has been held in custody. Further details about his legal case, mental health, and substance use have also surfaced.

Earlier reports have mentioned that Mehlhaff started showing erratic behavior earlier that day at a restaurant located in Buck Meadows, Mariposa County. He allegedly made disturbing remarks to a pregnant waitress, which include the following: “The spirits led me to you and your baby belongs to me.” Sources claim that he also said to her that he would be “waiting” for her during her break. According to reports, the situation intensified when Mehlhaff stole drinks and attacked an employee of the restaurant before leaving the place. Mehlhaff reportedly went towards Yosemite National Park after that. The circumstances took a dangerous turn then, and he is said to have committed the following crimes:

A bicycle theft
Knife threats against lodge employees
Stripping down to his underwear
An attempted kidnapping of a store manager
Stealing the vehicle of the manager
Collision with another vehicle
Wrecking while fleeing from the police

After the crash, Mehlhaff was taken into custody. Yet, there are more accusations, one of which is assaulting sheriff’s deputies during an evaluation at a local hospital.

According to The Mariposa Gazette’s report, Mehlhaff is now facing ten felony counts that include kidnapping, robbery, theft, vandalism, and assault with a deadly weapon. Four more charges, including battery of a police officer, were reduced to misdemeanor offenses.

At least three public defenders have been dismissed by Mehlhaff. Two others have declined to represent him. According to the same report, Mehlhaff’s mental health issues started a few weeks earlier. In early August, Mehlhaff allegedly caused around $5,000 in damage after he barricaded himself inside a hospital room. He broke multiple windows, tore down ceiling tiles, and flooded the room. Although he was arrested but on charges that included vandalism and criminal threats, the hospital staff declined to press charges and he was released later.

Mehlhaff’s ex-wife also told The Mariposa Gazette that Mehlhaff lived a sober life for many years. She also noted a family history of mental illness. According to her, everything remained quite well until 2023, when Mehlhaff started abusing psilocybin (also known as magic mushrooms) and eating THC edibles and beverages. It was followed by a strain in their relationship and eventual separation. A Cancer Christ fellow bandmate has also supported her claims.

Two forensic psychiatrists have since examined Mehlhaff and reportedly identified the following diagnosed him with bipolar disorder, complex trauma, cannabis use disorder, hallucinogen use disorder.

Mehlhaff’s mother also had a history of paranoid schizophrenia, and he had gone through a difficult upbringing. A psychiatric evaluation determined that the August incident was probably triggered by psilocybin and THC abuse. Yet, Mehlhaff refused to receive anti-psychotic medication when he was in custody.

Mehlhaff’s legal team intends to pursue a mental health diversion, which will allow him to avoid prosecution by completing two years of treatment and therapy. But the Mariposa County District Attorney has stated that they intend to challenge the motion.

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