From: Platte County Prosecuting Attorney "Eric Zahnd"
Date: May 05, 2010
Subject: Jury convicts man of assult with knife
A North Kansas City man was convicted of assaulting two people with a knife after stealing a video game system following a two-day jury trial in Platte County. James S. Harris, 20, was found guilty of stabbing a man and a woman after getting into an argument over an X-Box found in the trunk of his car.
Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd said, “The victims in this case thought the defendant was their friend. But he was willing to trade not only his friendship—but possibly their lives—for the price of an X-Box.”
At trial, prosecutors proved Harris was at a party at a house on Gates Drive in Platte City in the early morning hours of February 22, 2009.
Harris was caught trying to steal stereo equipment, and an X-Box belonging to one of the victims was found in the trunk of his car.
When confronted, Harris stabbed the female owner of the X-Box three times. Harris also stabbed a male victim who had tried to intervene. |
James Harris
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The female victim was taken to an area hospital by ambulance, where she underwent surgery to repair lacerations to her liver and kidney. The trauma surgeon testified that the woman suffered serious injuries and was “very lucky” no major blood vessels were cut.
The male victim was stabbed in the hand and later contracted blood poisoning.
Platte City police who responded to the scene found Harris lying face down on a sidewalk in front of the house. Witnesses at trial said Harris had been beaten by several people in an attempt to subdue him after the stabbings.
Harris was convicted of first degree assault of the female victim, third degree assault of the male victim, and armed criminal action. Harris had earlier pled guilty to stealing the X-Box.
Harris faces up to life in prison. He remains in custody with bond set at $150,000 cash only. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17.
Zahnd said, “The young woman the defendant stabbed will literally bear the scars of his attack for the rest of her life. They will be a constant reminder of that horrible night when her so-called friend turned on her and nearly ended her life.”
This case was investigated by the Platte City Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Webb and First Assistant Prosecutor Mark Gibson.
Eric G. Zahnd
Platte County Prosecuting Attorney
415 Third Street
Suite 60
Platte City, Missouri 64079
(816) 858-3476
(816) 858-3472 (fax)
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