MONCKS CORNER, SC – A Berkeley County Jury found fifty-six year old John Thomas guilty of Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature Thursday for the stabbing of an acquaintance at a bar in Cross, SC. Judge Kristi L. Harrington delayed sentencing until a pre-sentencing investigation can be completed.
Forty-seven year old victim, William Melton, was at the Monkey Business bar in Cross, SC with the defendant when the defendant became upset. The defendant left the bar and sent a text message to other patrons reading “there will be blood.” Shortly afterward, the defendant returned with a knife and walked directly to the victim whose back was to the door.
Thomas then grabbed the victim and stabbed him in the chest. The entire attack was captured on video. As the victim attempted to escape, the defendant chased him around the bar and then fled the scene leaving the knife and his phone along the way.
The victim was flown to the Medical University Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.
Thomas testified on his own behalf and claimed self-defense citing a gun he had seen in the victim’s truck outside in the parking lot. Thomas has prior convictions for Manufacturing Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine, Breach of Trust and Robbery.