FARMINGTON – The state has changed an attempted murder charge against a Jay man to aggravated assault.
Adam Mears, 19, pleaded innocent to felony aggravated assault Friday in Franklin County Superior Court.
The offense carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison upon conviction.
Mears was initially charged with attempted murder and two counts of aggravated assault in May by Jay police after he was accused of allegedly stabbing Robert Hart, 21, of Auburn twice during an altercation at a mobile home park in Jay.
According to a court document, Mears was allegedly under the influence when the stabbing occurred.
Mears who has been in the Franklin County jail since he was arrested for violating probation in May, is being held on $100,000 cash bail or $200,000 worth of real estate.
Mears also was injured himself during the altercation when the top half of his right little finger was cut off when a folding knife closed on it.
Defense attorney Richard Morton said it is his understanding that after review of witnesses’ statements and other evidence, the state decided that aggravated assault is an appropriate charge. The requirements necessary to prove attempted murder – which includes a level of violence either intended to be fatal or more likely to be fatal – wasn’t present in this case, he said.
Assistant District Attorney Andrew Robinson was in court and unavailable for comment.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
