The Starkville Police Department charged a Starkville man with aggravated assault on Nov. 13 for stabbing an MSU student. David Hartness, 29, was released from Oktibbeha County Jail on a $5,000 bond several hours after he allegedly stabbed senior international business major Christopher Stowe.
Detective Laura Hines said the stabbing incident branched from an altercation that occurred several hours earlier at Stowe’s residence.
“They had fought earlier, where Hartness appeared to be the aggressor,” she said. “He did wind up with some bruises to his face.”
Hines said the two men knew each other and had been friends prior to the incident. Alcohol was involved in the first altercation, she said.
“He [Hartness] had been drinking, so a friend picked him up after the altercation,” Hines said.
Several hours later, Stowe went to Hartness’ residence at 300 Hillside Dr., to bring his grandmother’s vehicle, which had been at Stowe’s home, back to her, Hines said.
The second altercation occurred when Stowe went inside Hartness’ home to bring his grandmother her car key, she said.
Hartness gave Stowe a 2- to 3-inch gash in his left elbow and a second scratch on his back with a kitchen knife, Hines said.
According to a report in the Commercial Dispatch, Hartness said he acted in self-defense; however, Hines said Stowe acted in self-defense.
The two men did not consume any additional alcohol to Hines’ knowledge.
“He [Hartness] may have still had the effects of what alcohol was there to begin with,” she said.
Hines said MSU and Starkville have been such safe communities in the past, and it is strange to hear of incidents such as stabbings happening.
MSU students should not let altercations go too far, she said.
“By all means, call the police if it gets to the point where it’s dangerous or if a knife is involved or a friend is in a serious altercation,” Hines said.
Hartness will appear in court Dec. 10.