PHOENIX – An Arizona man was convicted last week of slashing a victim's throat in a brutal 2021 knife attack, authorities announced.
A jury found Friday that James Robert Patton, 34, of Spring Valley, was found guilty of one count each of attempted second-degree murder and robbery, and aggravated assault, the Yavapai County Attorney's Office announced Tuesday. It was announced that he was found guilty on two charges.
According to prosecutors, Patton entered the victim's residence on the morning of August 23, 2021, and assaulted him. The victim suffered multiple knife wounds, including a severe laceration to the throat.
After Patton fled, the victim managed to call his 15-year-old daughter, who called for help.
What happened after the brutal knife attack in Yavapai County?
Thanks to the efforts of Yavapai County Sheriff's Office personnel, Meyer Fire Department, and medical staff, the victim survived and identified Patton as the perpetrator.
YCSO sent deputies and a helicopter to search for the suspect in a remote desert area near Cordes Lake. Patton surrendered four days after the attack.
A short time later, campers in the area discovered bloody clothing. Laboratory analysis detected Patton's and the victim's DNA on the clothing.
Patton could be sentenced to a minimum of seven years in prison at a sentencing hearing on February 6, prosecutors said.
“This kind of violence has no place in our society,” Yavapai County Attorney Dennis McGlenn said in a press release. “My office will aggressively prosecute those who commit violent crimes and seek long prison sentences in these cases.”
