4 things to know about William 'Julia' DeFoor, suspect charged with vandalizing JD Vance's home
1. Mom says son is mentally ill
Following her son’s federal arraignment on Wednesday, Catherine DeFoor said he was once a straight-A student, active in his church youth group and now suffers from mental illness. She told media outside the courtroom that her son got a perfect ACT score and received a full college scholarship to study music.
“When healthy, he is full of joy and laughter. He is compassionate for all those who suffer. And was voted Best Companion, by his church youth group,” DeFoor said, according to local news outlet WLWT. “Even despite his health challenges and his young adult life, he's been trying to be the best person he can be. Seeking medical care, returning to school and music. Reaching out to connect with family and friends. Unfortunately, however, mental illness is unpredictable or can be unpredictable and has taken another tragic turn."
In October 2024, a Hamilton County court approved an application granting DeFoor’s mother legal guardianship after he was found incompetent by reason of mental illness, Fox News reported.
At his arraignment hearing, his lawyer, Paul Laufman, argued that the attack wasn't "political" but a mental health issue. When asked by a reporter outside the courthouse why Vance's house was targeted, Laufman said he "had no idea," but it "could have just as easily been the blow-up display at a car lot."
