Teenager Pleads Guilty to Stabbing Incident During Sailfest Fireworks

A 15-year-old teenager, Demetrius Watley, pleaded guilty to first-degree assault, a felony, in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred during the Sailfest fireworks in New London last year. Watley, who was affiliated with a street gang called the Project Boys, admitted to stabbing another teenager after a verbal altercation escalated into violence. The victim suffered serious injuries, including damaged arteries and nerves in his arm, and underwent a vein transfer surgery. Watley's guilty plea was made under the Alford doctrine, which suggests he does not agree with all of the state's allegations but does not want to take the case to trial and risk a harsher sentence. Watley will be sentenced to up to four years in prison, with the possibility of an additional three years of probation.

Key Takeaways:

• Demetrius Watley, a 15-year-old, pleaded guilty to first-degree assault, a felony, in connection with a stabbing incident during the Sailfest fireworks in New London.
• Watley, affiliated with the Project Boys street gang, admitted to stabbing another teenager after a verbal altercation escalated into violence.
• The victim suffered serious injuries, including damaged arteries and nerves in his arm, and underwent a vein transfer surgery.
• Watley's guilty plea was made under the Alford doctrine, which suggests he does not agree with all of the state's allegations.
• Watley was sentenced to up to four years in prison, with the possibility of an additional three years of probation.
• Watley had served seven months in juvenile detention before being rearrested in connection with another assault.
• The incident occurred on July 11, 2010, and Watley was rearrested after being released on bond.
• Watley's attorney, Matthew G. Berger, has the right to argue for a shorter prison term at his sentencing on December 13.
• The victim's family will address the court on sentencing day.

Statistics:

• The incident occurred on July 11, 2010.
• Watley served seven months in juvenile detention before being rearrested.
• The victim underwent a vein transfer surgery due to the severity of his injuries.
• Watley will serve up to four years in prison, with the possibility of an additional three years of probation.
• The case involves a street gang, the Project Boys, with connections to the incident.

Sources:

• (c)2011 The Day (New London, Conn.)