Doctor's Revenge Plot: The Shocking True Crime Case of Mental Manipulation and Attempted Murder
In the heart of Manhattan on November 12, 2012, a disturbing case unfolded that seemed more suited to a psychological thriller than real life. Jake Nolan, a young man with bipolar disorder, entered the office of psychiatrist Dr. Michael Weiss carrying a duffel bag containing a sledgehammer, knife, and zip ties—with the intention to kill. This wasn't a mystery about who committed the crime, but rather an exploration of the complex circumstances and alleged manipulation that led to this violent confrontation.
At the center of this case lies a troubling dynamic between three individuals: Jake Nolan, his cousin and psychiatrist Dr. Pamela Bookbinder, and her ex-boyfriend Dr. Michael Weiss. Jake, who had struggled with mental health issues since childhood, claims he was "weaponized" by Dr. Bookbinder during a period when she was engaged in a bitter custody battle with Dr. Weiss. The attack resulted in both men being hospitalized, with Jake eventually facing serious criminal charges and profound questions about mental health, manipulation, and responsibility.
Key Takeaways
Jake Nolan, suffering from bipolar disorder, attempted to murder Dr. Michael Weiss in 2012 but claims he was manipulated by his cousin and psychiatrist Dr. Pamela Bookbinder.
The violent confrontation occurred amidst a bitter custody dispute between Dr. Bookbinder and Dr. Weiss, with both having previously been involved in domestic incidents.
Mental health experts remain divided on whether Jake was truly "brainwashed" or retained the ability to make his own decisions despite his psychiatric condition.
The Attempted Murder
On November 12, 2012, Jake Nolan entered Dr. Michael Weiss's Manhattan office with deadly intent. Inside his duffel bag were disturbing items: a sledgehammer, a steak knife, and zip ties. When asked later about his intentions that day, Jake admitted plainly, "I intended to kill him."
Jake, who suffered from bipolar disorder, claimed his cousin Dr. Pamela Bookbinder—an Ivy League-trained psychiatrist—had manipulated him into targeting her ex-boyfriend. "She morphed me into whatever she wanted me to be," Jake explained. "I obeyed just like a puppet."
The attack occurred when Jake found Dr. Weiss's office door open. "I saw Michael sitting in a chair. I think this is really when I became fully psychotic," Jake recalled. When Weiss noticed the sledgehammer, he charged at Jake, who then pulled out the knife. A violent struggle ensued, leaving both men bleeding and injured.
Remarkably, Jake didn't flee the scene. Instead, he took selfies of himself covered in blood—behavior that prosecutors later pointed to as evidence of his awareness. Meanwhile, concerned neighbors called 911 after hearing screams in the hallway of the Manhattan high-rise.
Both men were rushed to the hospital, where Jake was arrested for attempted murder and handcuffed to his bed. It was there that his unusual story began to unfold—his claim that Dr. Bookbinder had manipulated him to attack her ex-boyfriend, with whom she had been fighting over custody of her son.
Jake's parents, Debbie and Jim Nolan, believe understanding their son's actions requires knowing his history. From childhood, Jake showed both brilliance and troubling signs. By age five, he was diagnosed with ADHD, and by his teens, he experienced severe mood swings despite moments of remarkable achievement.
At 17, Jake threatened suicide with a kitchen knife, leading to hospitalization and a bipolar disorder diagnosis. Dr. Sasha B, who evaluated Jake for the defense, described bipolar disorder as "a severe and chronic mental illness characterized by severe mood swings" from deep depression to "periods of incredible elation, grandiose ideas, poor judgment."
By college, doctors had prescribed Jake approximately 30 different medications with limited success. It was then that Dr. Bookbinder, Debbie's niece, offered to help. The arrangement seemed ideal—Jake would live part-time with Pamela in Manhattan, receiving therapy and medication management while helping care for her four-year-old son Calder.
Initially, the arrangement appeared successful. "I thought he was very happy and quite stable," Debbie recalled. However, the Nolans now consider sending their son to live with Pamela "the biggest mistake they have ever made."
Unknown to Jake, he had entered a toxic situation. The relationship between Dr. Bookbinder and Dr. Weiss was deeply troubled. According to reports, they had a volatile on-again, off-again relationship with allegations of domestic violence on both sides, including incidents where each had been arrested.
Jake Nolan: The Man Behind the Attack
Personal History and Mental Health Issues
Jake Nolan, the youngest of three children, exhibited signs of mental health challenges from an early age. At five, he received an ADHD diagnosis, and by his teenage years, his condition had evolved significantly. Despite moments of brilliance—including winning a prestigious contest for co-inventing an iPhone study app called "Flash Me"—Jake struggled with severe mood swings.
His mental health deteriorated in high school, leading to diagnoses of depression and anxiety. By 17, Jake reached a crisis point when he threatened suicide with a butcher knife, resulting in hospitalization and a bipolar disorder diagnosis. The severity of his condition led doctors to prescribe approximately 30 different medications over time, often taking multiple powerful psychotropic drugs simultaneously.
During college, Jake's condition worsened. He began using recreational drugs and alcohol while struggling to attend classes regularly. His bipolar disorder manifested in dramatic shifts between deep suicidal depression and periods of elation with poor judgment.
Living Under Dr. Pamela Bookbinder's Influence
Jake's parents believed they'd found a solution when Debbie Nolan's niece, Dr. Pamela Bookbinder—an Ivy League-trained psychiatrist—offered to help. The arrangement seemed ideal: Jake would live part-time in Pamela's Manhattan apartment, receive therapy, have his medications monitored, and help care for her four-year-old son, Calder.
Initially, the situation appeared positive. Jake trusted Pamela completely, viewing her as his savior. However, what his parents didn't realize was that Jake had become entangled in the toxic relationship between Pamela and her ex-boyfriend, Dr. Michael Weiss.
Their relationship was characterized by mutual hostility and allegations of domestic violence. Jake claims Pamela gradually manipulated him to hate Dr. Weiss, playing "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" by The Beatles repeatedly in their home and expressing desires for Jake to attack him. According to Jake, "She morphed me into whatever she wanted me to be."
This manipulation culminated on November 12, 2012, when Jake entered Dr. Weiss's Manhattan office carrying a duffel bag containing a sledgehammer, steak knife, and zip ties. During the ensuing confrontation, both men suffered injuries requiring hospitalization. While recovering, Jake was arrested for attempted murder.
Rather than fleeing after the attack, Jake took selfies of himself covered in blood. He later claimed he had become "fully psychotic" during the incident, insisting his mind "was not his own" when he set out to attack Dr. Weiss.
Dr. Pamela Bookbinder: The Key Figure Behind the Plot
Dr. Pamela Bookbinder, an Ivy League-trained psychiatrist, stands at the center of a shocking case involving manipulation and violence. Her intelligence and professional standing made her influence especially potent in the events leading to a violent attack on Dr. Michael Weiss in November 2012.
Mental Influence Over Jake Nolan
Dr. Bookbinder allegedly exploited Jake Nolan's serious mental health vulnerabilities to turn him into a weapon against Dr. Weiss. Jake, who suffered from bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, had been prescribed approximately 30 different medications throughout his treatment history with limited success.
"She morphed me into whatever she wanted me to be," Jake later explained. "I obeyed just like a puppet."
The manipulation reportedly occurred gradually while Jake lived in Dr. Bookbinder's Manhattan apartment. What began as an arrangement where she would provide therapy and medication oversight in exchange for Jake helping with childcare evolved into something far more sinister.
Jake claims Dr. Bookbinder played "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" by The Beatles repeatedly in her home while discussing her desire for him to attack Dr. Weiss. This psychological conditioning allegedly continued until Jake felt compelled to carry out the violent act.
Contentious Custody Dispute
The conflict between Dr. Bookbinder and Dr. Weiss centered around their bitter custody battle over their son, Calder. Their relationship had deteriorated into what observers described as "toxic" with serious allegations on both sides.
History of Mutual Allegations:
Dr. Bookbinder was arrested for allegedly attacking Dr. Weiss with broken glass
Dr. Weiss required stitches following this incident
Dr. Weiss was also arrested during their ongoing disputes
Both made claims of domestic violence against each other
The custody battle had reached such intensity that it apparently motivated Dr. Bookbinder to seek extreme measures against her former partner. According to Jake, "They hated each other, and in turn, she made me hate him."
Previous Connection with the Victim
Dr. Bookbinder and Dr. Weiss shared both professional and personal connections as psychiatrists who became romantically involved. Their relationship was characterized by volatility and instability from the beginning.
The couple's on-again, off-again dynamic created a backdrop of tension and hostility. This turbulent history provided context for the eventual escalation to violence.
Despite Dr. Bookbinder's claims that she had no involvement in Jake's actions against Dr. Weiss, the nature of their prior relationship suggests deeply rooted animosity. The custody battle over their young son Calder intensified these negative feelings, creating what prosecutors described as motivation for her alleged manipulation of Jake.
Dr. Michael Weiss: The Victim
Dr. Michael Weiss, a respected psychiatrist, became the target of a violent attack at his Manhattan office on November 12, 2012. Jake Nolan, a young man suffering from bipolar disorder, entered Weiss's office carrying a duffel bag containing a sledgehammer, steak knife, and zip ties with the intention to kill him. The assault was the culmination of a bitter custody dispute between Weiss and his former partner, Dr. Pamela Bookbinder, who was also Nolan's cousin and treating psychiatrist.
Professional Background
Dr. Weiss practiced psychiatry in a Manhattan high-rise where he both worked and lived. As a trained psychiatrist, he maintained a professional practice where he treated patients with various mental health conditions. His credentials and experience in the field positioned him as a respected member of the psychiatric community.
During the attack in his office, Dr. Weiss demonstrated remarkable survival instincts. When confronted by Nolan wielding a sledgehammer, Weiss immediately charged at his attacker. Despite being stabbed during the confrontation, he fought back fiercely, resulting in both men being severely injured and ending up bleeding in the hallway outside his office.
Relationship with Dr. Pamela Bookbinder
The relationship between Dr. Weiss and Dr. Bookbinder was characterized by extreme hostility and volatility. They had been engaged in a prolonged and bitter custody battle over their young son, Calder. According to those familiar with the situation, their relationship could be described as "toxic from the outset."
Their conflicts frequently escalated to physical altercations:
Incidents of violence: Their relationship included allegations of domestic violence from both sides
Legal issues: Both Dr. Weiss and Dr. Bookbinder had been arrested at different points during their ongoing disputes
Physical altercation: In one documented incident, Dr. Bookbinder allegedly attacked Dr. Weiss with broken glass, resulting in injuries requiring stitches
The antagonism between these two psychiatric professionals created the backdrop for the eventual attack. According to Jake Nolan, Dr. Bookbinder actively fostered hatred toward Dr. Weiss, repeatedly playing "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" by the Beatles and discussing her desires to see Weiss harmed. This ongoing custody battle and personal animosity ultimately led to the violent confrontation that left both Dr. Weiss and Jake Nolan hospitalized.
The Impact Following the Incident
Immediate Outcomes
On November 12, 2012, Jake Nolan and Dr. Michael Weiss both found themselves rushed to the hospital after a violent confrontation in Weiss's Manhattan office. Nolan, bleeding and injured, was placed under arrest for attempted murder and handcuffed to his hospital bed. The attack had left both men wounded, with Nolan remaining at the scene rather than fleeing. Strangely, he had even taken selfies while covered in blood after the attack.
The 911 call from the incident revealed the chaotic aftermath: "I can hear someone out in my hallway screaming in pain," reported a caller who was afraid to investigate the source of the distress. Both men had ended up fighting in the hallway of the Manhattan high-rise, creating a scene that alarmed others in the building.
Legal Proceedings and Mental Health Defense
Jake Nolan's defense centered on his claim that he had been "brainwashed" by his cousin, Dr. Pamela Bookbinder, an Ivy League-trained psychiatrist. His legal team argued that Nolan, who suffered from bipolar disorder, had been manipulated by Bookbinder to attack Dr. Weiss, with whom she had been engaged in a bitter custody battle over their son.
Nolan's mental health history formed a critical part of his defense:
Diagnosed with ADHD at age 5
Developed depression and anxiety in his teens
Diagnosed with bipolar disorder after a suicide attempt at 17
Prescribed approximately 30 different medications over time
Dr. Sasha B., a psychiatrist who evaluated Nolan for the defense, testified that he suffered from "severe mood swings that go from deep dark suicidal depressions to periods of incredible elation, grandiose ideas, poor judgment." The defense portrayed Nolan as mentally vulnerable and susceptible to manipulation.
Bookbinder, however, denied any involvement in the attack, claiming that Nolan acted independently. The prosecution challenged Nolan's brainwashing defense, arguing that he "knew exactly what he was doing" and could have chosen to walk away at any point before the attack.
Expert Psychiatric Assessments
Mental Health Evaluations of Jake Nolan
Jake Nolan's mental health history became a central focus for psychiatric experts examining his case. Psychiatric evaluations confirmed that Nolan suffered from bipolar disorder, characterized by severe mood swings that ranged from deep suicidal depressions to periods of extreme elation and poor judgment. Dr. Sasha B, who evaluated Jake for the defense, described him as "a prisoner of his own mind," noting the profound nature of his disorder.
Medical records showed that doctors had prescribed approximately 30 different medications to treat Nolan's conditions, often having him take 4-6 powerful psychotropic medications simultaneously. These treatments produced limited success in stabilizing his condition. By the time of the incident, Nolan had an extensive psychiatric history including:
ADHD diagnosis at age 5
Depression and anxiety diagnosis as a teenager
Bipolar disorder diagnosis at age 17
History of suicidal ideation and a suicide attempt
Mind Control Allegations
Psychiatric experts were divided on whether Jake Nolan was "brainwashed" by Dr. Pamela Bookbinder. Some experts firmly believed that Bookbinder, described as "brilliant" with her Ivy League training, had systematically manipulated a vulnerable patient. They pointed to Nolan's severe mental illness as a factor that made him particularly susceptible to psychological manipulation.
"She morphed me into whatever she wanted me to be," Nolan stated during interviews, a claim supported by some psychiatric professionals. Defense experts argued that the manipulation occurred gradually, with Bookbinder allegedly weaponizing Nolan against her ex-partner Dr. Weiss through repeated suggestions and psychological conditioning.
Opposing experts rejected the brainwashing theory, maintaining that Nolan retained his agency throughout. "I don't buy Jake's story that he was brainwashed and manipulated," one psychiatric professional stated. "He knew exactly what he was doing." These experts believed Nolan could have chosen to leave the situation at any point.
Reflections from the Nolan Family
Early Years and Mental Health Journey
Jake Nolan's childhood presented a complex mix of brilliance and struggle. Born as the youngest of three children, he showed remarkable intelligence and creativity from an early age. His parents, Debbie and Jim Nolan, described him as a delightful child with a gift for invention. By high school, Jake had even gained recognition for co-creating "Flash Me," an award-winning iPhone study app that demonstrated his innovative thinking.
Behind this talent, however, lay significant challenges. At just five years old, Jake received an ADHD diagnosis. As he approached adolescence, his parents noticed troubling changes in his behavior and mood. Around age 14, Jake began experiencing dramatic emotional swings that interfered with daily functioning.
These challenges intensified during his high school years in Miami. Despite moments of impressive achievement, Jake often couldn't get out of bed to attend school. His parents tried everything to motivate him, but his condition worsened. By 17, the situation had become critical when Jake took a butcher knife to his room and threatened suicide, resulting in hospitalization and a bipolar disorder diagnosis.
Missed Opportunities and Critical Insights
Looking back, the Nolans identify allowing Jake to live with his cousin, Dr. Pamela Bookbinder, as their gravest mistake. What seemed like an ideal arrangement—Jake would receive therapy and medication management from a family member with psychiatric credentials while helping with her young son—ultimately led to disaster.
Jake's mental health made him particularly vulnerable to manipulation. Having cycled through approximately 30 different medications with limited success, he viewed Pamela as his lifeline. "I trusted her with my most prized possession—my child," Debbie Nolan reflected with evident regret.
Initially, Jake appeared to improve under this arrangement. His parents believed he was stabilizing and finding happiness. However, they now understand that Jake's psychological fragility, combined with his deep trust in Pamela as both family and medical professional, created a dangerous situation that none of them foresaw.
The relationship dynamics proved catastrophic for Jake, who later described his experience with Pamela as "incredibly frightening." His parents now view the decision to place their mentally ill son in that environment as a "total horrible nightmare" that forever altered the course of his life.
Media Coverage and Public Reaction
The Jake Nolan case captivated the public when it broke in November 2012, drawing significant media attention due to its unusual circumstances. The New York Post provided extensive coverage, with reporter Rebecca Rosenberg describing the relationship between Dr. Pamela Bookbinder and Dr. Michael Weiss as "very toxic from the outset." This characterization helped frame public understanding of the complex interpersonal dynamics behind the attack.
Media reports highlighted the dramatic elements of the case. Coverage focused on Jake walking through Manhattan streets carrying a duffel bag containing a sledgehammer, steak knife, and zip ties before entering Dr. Weiss's office. These details painted a picture that, as many outlets noted, "seemed to come right out of a novel."
The case received additional attention due to the bizarre post-attack behavior. News outlets frequently mentioned that instead of fleeing the scene, Jake took selfies of himself covered in blood—a detail that bewildered the public and raised questions about his mental state during the incident.
Public reaction was divided between those who viewed Jake as a manipulated victim and those who believed he maintained responsibility for his actions. The 911 calls from the incident, which some media outlets shared on social platforms like Facebook, further intensified public interest in the case.
Mental health became a central focus in discussions surrounding the case. Jake's bipolar disorder diagnosis and history of medication trials (reportedly some 30 different prescriptions) sparked conversations about psychiatric treatment effectiveness and the vulnerability of those with mental illness.
The professional credentials of the key figures involved—both Dr. Bookbinder as an Ivy-trained psychiatrist and Dr. Weiss as a practicing psychiatrist—added another layer of public intrigue. Media coverage often emphasized this aspect, questioning how trained mental health professionals could become entangled in such a violent situation.
