Portland Stabbing Resulted in a Teen’s Death

In west Louisville, a Portland stabbing resulted in a teen’s death.  The trial continues from this July 2017 incident.  Earlier news reports indicate that the defense is claiming the stabbing was in self-defense, while the prosecution is pursuing a murder conviction.

I’ve blogged multiple times about eye-witness testimonies and the gathering of forensic evidence.  This incident happened outside of a local Speedway gas station.  The area should have closed-circuit TV.  The fight was most likely caught on tape.  It appears multiple people were involved in the altercation, so the actually stabbing may not have been completely visible.  However, during the arrest, the 19-year old girl was found to have a knife in her pocket.

Now, if I were the Louisville criminal defense attorney handling the case, I’d explain to my client that there are multiple options for the defense.  I’d definitely work to convince the jury that the stabbing was not premeditated.  Even though the Portland stabbing resulted in a teen’s death, the actual crime only happened once the argument escalated.

Because the of her age, the 19-year old won’t be tried as a minor.  There is a chance that a life sentence could be handed down if the prosecution succeeds in winning a conviction.

One defense option would be to present enough “exculpatory” evidence to convince the jury that a lesser charge is warranted.  This may be voluntary manslaughter or even some type of assault charge.

What is Exculpatory Evidence?

Simply put, this is evidence that would prove beneficial to the defendant in a criminal trial.  It would exonerate or tend to exonerate the defendant.  It’s basically evidence that would help to prove the defendant’s innocence.

If I could show that the video of who exactly stabbed the victim is inconclusive and that my client didn’t have a criminal past, nor the intent to actually attack the victim, I may have enough exculpatory evidence to avoid a murder conviction.

Yes, it’s a tragedy that this Portland stabbing resulted in a teen’s death.  However, as a defense attorney, my role is to aggressively defend my client.  No attorney can change the facts, but we can skillfully impact the perception of those facts.  That’s our job.  As a highly-experienced Kentucky trial attorney, it’s what I’m actually pretty good at accomplishing.

Note:  For clarification, the 19-year old in this article is not my client.