A lawyer for the man accused of murdering his housemate and attempting to kill two other people in suburban Belconnen is "exploring a mental impairment defence", a court has heard.
Wajid Kakar, 35, has been charged with murdering 34-year-old Michael Williams in Page on February 20.
The Afghan national is further charged with attempting to murder a 28-year-old male housemate and a 20-year-old woman, who was visiting the Braine Street home, during the same bloody incident.
Police have alleged that Mr Kakar used at least two knives to inflict "significant" stab wounds on the victims.
The 35-year-old was also badly injured and has been under guard in Canberra Hospital ever since his arrest, during which he was Tasered after he allegedly "rushed" at police with a weapon.
On Thursday morning, Legal Aid lawyer Jan de Bruin told the ACT Magistrates Court that Mr Kakar had instructed him to enter pleas of not guilty.
"We are in the process of exploring a mental impairment defence," Dr de Bruin said.
Magistrate Beth Campbell adjourned the case until July 8.
Mr Kakar, who has not applied for bail, will remain in custody in the meantime.
Police have not revealed any suspected motive for the alleged murder and attempted killings.
