| For Immediate Release Case # 10HF0401
July 12, 2011 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
TEEN DIRECT FILED AS ADULT CONVICTED OF STABBING FORMER CLASSMATE AND ASSAULTING TWO OTHER TEENS WITH CARVING KNIFE AFTER
A FIGHT ON FACEBOOK
NEWPORT BEACH – A teen charged as an adult was convicted yesterday of stabbing a former classmate in the stomach and assaulting two of the victim’s friends with a carving knife after posting their fight on Facebook. Michael Jason Wilson, 17, Laguna Beach, pleaded guilty July 11, 2011, to one felony count of aggravated assault with a knife and a sentencing enhancement for causing great bodily injury. He was sentenced to one year in jail, three years of formal probation, and restitution for the three victims.
Prior to March 11, 2010, then-16-year-old Wilson engaged in an online rivalry with 17-year-old Julian C. on Facebook and through text messages and e-mail. The defendant agreed to meet Julian C. at Wilson’s house on March 11, 2010.
On the agreed-upon date, Julian C. and 16-year-olds Nicholas L. and Sam S. drove with a fourth friend to Wilson’s Laguna Beach home after school. The victims and the defendant had previously attended the same high school, which Wilson was no longer attending. Wilson met Julian C. outside of the house while the other three waited in the car. After a confrontation, Wilson used a carving knife with a 12-inch blade, which he had brought outside with him, and stabbed Julian C. in the stomach.
The three waiting friends got out of the car and ran to help Julian C. and disarm Wilson. Wilson struggled with the victims and cut the hands and arms of Nicholas L. and Sam S. The fourth friend was not physically injured. The three victims and their friend were able to get back into their car and drive away. They flagged down a passing police officer and were transported to the hospital for treatment.
Responding officers from the Laguna Beach Police Department arrested Wilson that day at his home. Julian C. underwent surgeries to treat stab wounds to his stomach and hands. He was released from the hospital after one week. Nicholas L. underwent surgery on his hand and received stitches. Sam S. received stitches for his wounds.
Deputy District Attorney Caroline Smith of Felony Panel prosecuted this case.
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