Courtroom pews were filled on Friday when John W.A. Russell was sentenced to 15 years and three months in prison for the gruesome stabbing last June that nearly killed a woman.
Russell, 26, of Aberdeen was convicted by a jury earlier this month of first and second degree assault after he slit one woman’s throat, nicking a major artery and then stabbed one of her friends as he tried to intervene.
Jeanette Johnson was sitting at the counter in her kitchen with Russell and Issac Stone for a get-together on June 29 when the stabbing took place, according to court documents. Johnson told police that the three were having a conversation when Russell stood up, walked behind Johnson and slit her throat in an unprovoked attack.
When Stone tried to intervene, Russell came toward him with the knife and cut him on the neck and chest. During the struggle, Stone asked why Russell had cut Johnson, to which Russell replied, “she hurt me,” and then said he wanted to show he could assault people for no reason, court documents state.
Johnson’s husband took her to the hospital.
Johnson, obviously upset, addressed the court during Friday’s sentencing.
“I just wanted to point out that a whole lot of people were hurt for no reason. I can’t change what’s happened here but he (Russell) can change what’s next,” she said.
County Prosecutor Katie Svoboda expressed disbelief as to the senseless nature of the crime.
“To me this is a crime unlike most that we see. Very rarely does this county have truly violent crime that’s so random in nature,” she said. “There was no provocation that would explain what happened, let alone justify it.”
Svoboda also told that the court that Russell’s lack of remorse, coupled with the fact that he was carrying two knives and a loaded gun the night of the crime, adds to the severity of the incident.
Russell appeared calm as he told Judge Mark McCauley that he had no recollection of what happened the night of the assault.
“I don’t remember anything that happened, but I do know the Johnsons are good people,” he said.
Russell said he would spend his time in prison trying to “better himself as a person.”
McCauley made it clear he was troubled by the actions committed by Russell. McCauley said he didn’t believe the maximum sentence under state guidelines was sufficient given the violent nature of the crime.
“If it was my decision, he’d be going away for most of the rest of his life,” he said. “It’s scary he could act out like he did with no justification,” adding that Johnson most likely would’ve died if it weren’t for her husband getting her to hospital immediately.
McCauley ordered Russell to have a mental evaluation completed while incarcerated and even mentioned the possibility of civil commitment after Russell served his time. Russell’s defense attorney, Christopher Baum, questioned the court’s authority on such a matter, but McCauley made it clear he thought the consideration was necessary.
“I’m not sure the court has authority on this (civil commitment),” said Baum.
“I’m not sure either, but I’m going to try,” responded McCauley.
After the trial, family members of both Johnson and Russell were visibly emotional and refused to speak with a reporter.
“I don’t want anymore,” said Johnson refusing to comment. “I just want closure.”
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