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Evidence strong vs. suspects in Strange stabbing
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Posted on Jun 07 1999
Superior Court Judge John A. Manglona found probable cause against the two Filipino suspects facing aggravated assault charges linked to the stabbing incident at the parking lot of Joeten Chalan Piao early last month.
During a preliminary hearing, Ernest Strange and wife Thelma testified against Norberto J. Simpas and Edgar V. Jamison.
Based on their testimonies, Simpas had a huge screw driver and Jamison was carrying a utility knife when both men attacked Mr. Strange last month.
Simpas was identified as the one who stabbed him in the knee and caused serious injury that needed off-island medical attention.
Appearing to court in his crutches, Strange said the artery in his knee was damaged and was bleeding profusely. When he was airlifted to Guam, his attending physician had to take another blood vessel in his body to replace the damaged artery in his knee.
According to the couple, they saw both men inside Club Jama the night before they were attacked. Simpas and Jamison were the last customers to leave and lingered outside. The camera outside captured the two.
Suspecting their actions, Mr. Strange then confronted the two but both hurriedly left. While dropping off his employees at their barracks in Chalan Piao, the two suspects were already waiting at the parking lot.
Police Sergeant Jose Aldan told the court that 11 witnesses positively identified the two after their photos were shown along with other suspects.
Days after the incident Simpas was arrested at work and Jamison later turned himself in. Both gave their separate statements to the police.
Simpas admitted to having been in the club and was holding the screw driver. But he denied stabbing anybody.
Meanwhile, Jamison told the police that each got a share of $1,700 and he fled from the scene using the victim’s van. Earlier reports estimated that both men ran away with Mrs. Strange’s van and $4,000 cash.
Jamison also told the police where to find the things they took from the vehicle.
If convicted, both men may face a maximum of 40 years in prison.
