A California man pleaded guilty to stabbing three men — including one 24 times — in Cherokee County in December 2018, the district attorney said Friday.
Eric York Cruz, 22, pleaded guilty at a hearing last week to three counts of aggravated assault and five counts of aggravated battery, DA Shannon Wallace said. Cruz had been scheduled for trial this month.
Chief Judge Ellen McElyea sentenced him to 30 years, with the first 20 to serve in confinement and the remaining 10 on probation. Cruz has been in custody since his arrest after the assaults, the Cherokee sheriff’s office said.
“This sentence will ensure that society is protected and that this violent man remains in confinement for a very long time,” Wallace said in an emailed statement.
According to investigators, Cruz traveled from California to Ball Ground for a visit. But none of the men knew Cruz was on probation for stabbing his parents, the DA’s office said.
On the night of December 22, 2018, Cruz became agitated and combative and made accusations of infidelity involving his relationship with one of the victims and another roommate. One of the residents demanded that Cruz leave. When Cruz refused, the man called 911 in reference to an “unwelcome guest.”
Cruz then got a knife from the kitchen and started stabbing each man, causing wounds that left permanent scarring and nerve damage. One victim was stabbed 24 times, the DA said.
One man was able to grab the knife from Cruz, who he kicked down the stairs. The same victim was able to retrieve a Samurai sword to stop the assault. Cherokee deputies arrived at the home to find all four men injured.
“On the night of this incident, law enforcement officers walked into a chaotic scene and quickly went to work,” Deputy Chief ADA Rachel Ashe said. “One resident of the home did what any hero would do — he ran toward danger to save his friend. If not for his intervention, I have no doubt that this attack would have resulted in a homicide.”
Added Wallace, “Domestic violence usually begins with manipulation and control, which escalates to violent acts. No one expected this defendant to react in the way that he did. He was relentless in his drive to inflict injury on these men. They are lucky to be alive.”
About the Author
