A five year prison term was ordered May 10 for a stabbing that occurred in Bullhead City almost a year ago. Michael Scott Boyea, 35, pleaded guilty to attempted murder for the May 21, 2018 incident.
Prosecutor Jaimye Ashley previously stated that the violence occurred shortly after Boyea arrived at a friend’s home at 821 Glenn Drive. “He walked behind the victim and stabbed the victim in the neck and back approximately five times,” Ashley said during the March 6 change of plea hearing.
Defense attorney Nathan Best told the Court another version of the story during Friday’s sentencing proceeding. Best said Boyea and others were smoking methamphetamine when another man threatened him at gunpoint before he grabbed a nearby knife and used it to defend himself.
“I take responsibity for my actions,” Boyea said, noting he was high when he stabbed the man who suffered non life-threatening injuries. “In a panic I went overboard.”
Boyea expressed hope for leniency so he could keep working and provide for his nine children.
Best asked Mohave County Superior Court Judge Derek Carlisle to place Boyea on probation. Prosecutor Karolina Czaplinska said a seven year prison sentence would be appropriate.
Best said Judge Carlisle stated that the five year sentence was appropriate given prior felony convictions, Boyea’s decision to plead guilty to attempted murder and his use of a deadly weapon.
