NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — A Manhattan woman was sentenced on Wednesday to 12 years in state prison after pleading guilty to a charge accusing her of the brutal stabbing of a 39-year-old juice store employee in the Upper East Side, prosecutors said.
Cha’la Jamison, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree attempted murder on Jan. 31.
On April 12, 2023, Jamison entered Juice Island on East 61st Street and Third Avenue, ordered a drink and got into an argument with an employee when her payment was declined, according to court documents and statements.
The district attorney’s office said that this prompted Jamison to throw items at the employee, knock things to the floor and threaten to return and stab the worker.
At about 8:30 p.m., two hours after the initial incident, Jamison returned to Juice Island while the employee was cleaning the back of the store.
In her guilty plea, Jamison admitted to rushing behind the counter, grabbing a knife and stabbing the worker in the hand, arm, neck and head before fleeing.
The victim required stitches and surgery for his hand injury. He still has limited mobility and feeling in his hand, prosecutors said.
“Cha’la Jamison ferociously attacked and seriously injured a New Yorker who was just doing his job,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “This attack has significantly impacted the victim, who continues to suffer physical pain and emotional trauma, and has been unable to work. I hope this sentence can offer some peace and comfort, despite the serious harm that occurred”
When officers arrived at Jamison’s apartment on April 17, she attempted to flee with a green bag via her fire escape.
NYPD officers recovered the bag, which contained the clothing and accessories she wore during the attack, including blood-stained shoes. The execution of a search warrant of Jamison’s apartment yielded the recovery of additional clothes and accessories matching what she was wearing during the assault.
After serving her 12-year sentence in state prison, Jamison will also be subject to five years post-release supervision.