Las Vegas Man Sentenced To Nine Years In Prison For Random Stabbing

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man who pleaded guilty to randomly selecting his victim and stabbing the victim multiple times outside of a smoke shop was sentenced today to nine years in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.

“Prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to combatting violent crime throughout Nevada, including when violent crime occurs on tribal lands,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “This case and today’s sentence send a message that we will pursue justice for victims of violent crime – wherever it occurs.”

Justin Hayward, 36, pleaded guilty, without the benefit of a plea agreement, to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware II presided over the sentencing hearing.

According to court documents, on February 18, 2018, the victim purchased lunch at a smoke shop and convenience store belonging to the Las Vegas Colony and Reservation for the Paiute Tribe located in downtown Las Vegas. Shortly after returning to the car, the victim heard a noise and saw Hayward puncture the car’s front tire. Hayward then opened the driver’s side door and began stabbing the victim with a knife in the abdomen. The victim was hospitalized with serious injuries.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Duncan prosecuted the case.

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