Michael Stevens found guilty

Lake Street resident convicted on attempted murder, assault, and criminal solicitation

ONEIDA, N.Y. » Michael Stevens has been found guilty in the attemptedmurder of Erin Chesebro.

A jury of eight women and four men handed down the verdict on Tuesday morning in Madison County Court, finding him guilty of second-degree attempted murder, a class B felony; first-degree assault, a class B felony; thirddegree criminal possession of a weapon, a class D felony; two counts of second-degree criminal solicitation, a class D felony; and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Stevens was found not guilty of third-degree robbery, second-degree harassment, and obstruction of breathing.

On July 14, 2016, Stevens stabbed then- girlfriend Erin Chesebro 14 times, including in her cheek and neck, during a domestic dispute. 911 Dispatch received a call from one of Chesebro’s and Stevens’ children in the early morning hours of July 15, screaming that his dad was attacking his mom and begged police to come quickly because she was bleeding badly.

Chesebro was taken to Update Medical in Syracuse for treatment. Stevens was arrested at the scene.

While in Madison County Jail, Stevens also solicited the murder of both Chesebro and her new boyfriend David Scribner.

The jury deliberated for most of Monday afternoon and into Tuesday morning, sending back

several requests for clarification, including review of Chesebro’s testimony and a timeline of events.

“The jury put a great deal of time and consideration in,” Assistant District Attorney Robert Mascari said. “I agree with the counts. Stevens is a very, very, very dangerous man and deserves to be locked up.”

Judge Patrick O’ Sullivan reminded t hose in court to control themselves as the verdict was read and, while there was no cheering, Chesebro and her family and friends let out a collective sigh of relief and cried as the attempted murder verdict was announced.

Stevens remained quiet as the verdict was delivered.

“Mr. Stevens thought very carefully through the pendency of the case,” Defense Attorney John Raspante said. He said Stevens exercised his right to testify and face his accusers.

Raspante said Stevens plans to appeal the convic- tion.

Stevens is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 10 at 10 a.m. Under a rejected plea deal, Stevens would have served 15 years. That offer is now off the table and his sentencing will be determined by a judge.