Judge Resets Sentencing for Attempted Murder Defendant

 
 

Starke Circuit Judge Kim Hall has reset the sentencing hearing for an attempted murder defendant with a fuzzy memory to give his attorneys more time to draft a stipulation agreement. It will detail the facts as defendant Benton Christopher Howard, 42, remembers them as to what happened at a home in the Parkview Heights area of Knox last Nov. 30. Howard is accused of critically stabbing Brandon Davidson, damaging his heart and collapsing his lung. He is set to plead guilty to a lesser battery offense. Continue reading

Plea Under Advisement for Attempted Murder Defendant

 Starke Circuit Judge Kim Hall has taken a plea from an attempted murder defendant under advisement. Benton Christopher Howard, 42, is accused of critically stabbing Brandon Davidson at a home in the Parkview Heights area of Knox on Nov. 30, 2014. Davidson was transferred from IU Health Starke Hospital to South Bend for treatment of a wound to his heart and lung. Howard is charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery in connection with the incident. His plea is to a lesser battery offense. Continue reading

Howard Pleads Not Guilty to Charges in Stabbing Incident

Benton Chrisopher Howard
Benton Christopher Howard

Benton Christopher Howard appeared in Starke Circuit Court for his initial hearing Wednesday afternoon.

On Nov. 30, Howard allegedly stabbed Brandon Davidson at a residence in Knox with a knife with a six to eight inch blade. The knife caused damage to Davidson’s heart and collapsed a lung.

A warrant was issued for Howard’s arrest and he turned himself into the Starke County Jail on Friday, Dec. 12.

Howard, 42, pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder, a Level 1 felony, and aggravated battery, a Level 3 felony. A Level 1 felony carries a sentence of 20 to 40 years if convicted while a Level 3 felony carries a sentence of three to six years.

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Police Looking for Suspect in Stabbing Incident in Knox

 
 

Knox City police are looking for a suspect who stabbed Brandon Davidson in the early morning hours of Sunday, Nov. 30.

According to police, Benton Christopher Howard and Davidson got into an argument at a residence in Knox. Davidson told Howard that he didn’t want to fight, but a fight ensued. During the scuffle, Howard allegedly unsheathed a knife from his hip and stabbed Davidson in the chest.

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Charges Anticipated in Stabbing Incident

 
 

A stabbing victim is now in serious condition at an area trauma center after an encounter early Sunday morning.

Knox City Police officers were called to IU Health Starke Hospital where 28-year-old Brandon Davidson was admitted after suffering a single stab wound, according to police. He was initially listed in critical condition.

Police have identified a suspect and formal charges are expected to be filed soon. Officers did not elaborate on the details of the incident as the investigation is ongoing.

Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall Sentences Several Offenders

 
 
Several offenders were sentenced in Starke Circuit Court on Thursday.

Carrie Hensley pleaded guilty in a plea agreement with the State to a charge of Dealing in Narcotic Drugs (Heroin). Judge Kim Hall sentenced her to ten years in the Department of Corrections with three years suspended to be served on probation. She will participate in a therapeutic community while incarcerated. If she successfully completes a rehabilitative program and serves half of her sentence, she may petition the court for a modification of her sentence.

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