Man gets 3 1/2 years for stabbing ex-friend who refused to leave

An Edmonton man who stabbed a former friend nine times after he wouldn’t leave his home was sentenced Thursday to 31/2 years in prison.

Micheal Basawa, 54, was charged with attempted murder but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of aggravated assault for the June 9, 2014, knifing of Rodney McCammon.

Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Eric Macklin told Basawa it was “extremely fortunate” that McCammon survived the attack.

“It was just by a mere stroke of luck that a vital organ wasn’t punctured and Mr. McCammon did not die,” said Macklin, adding it was also fortunate another man stopped Basawa from continuing the attack.

The judge said it was aggravating that Basawa fled, rather than offering McCammon help or calling 911.

He also noted Basawa has an “extensive” criminal record involving 19 violent incidents, including robbery and a prior conviction for aggravated assault.

Crown prosecutor Jasmine Grewal told court McCammon and his girlfriend paid Basawa $30 to spend the night on the couch at his 10640 123rd St. apartment.

In the morning, Basawa yelled that “it was time to get out.” McCammon objected and called him a “goof.”

Basawa grabbed a knife from his bedroom and attacked McCammon, stabbing him nine times in his upper arm, jaw area, near both armpits and in his abdomen.

Defence lawyer Daryl Royer told court McCammon had “provoked” Basawa by calling him a “goof,” explaining the term is an “extremely provocative” thing to say to an exconvict, much like calling someone a pedophile.

Macklin agreed it was “an insult,” but said Basawa “overreacted.”

Prior to being sentenced, Basawa apologized in court.

“I’m really sorry for the individual who was once my friend,” Basawa said. “I hurt him and I hurt myself.”

Basawa received nearly 29 months credit for the time he spent in pre-trial custody, leaving him to serve about 13 months.