By Ruth Ann Krause Post-Tribune correspondent February 28, 2013 2:28PM
Updated: February 28, 2013 3:20PM
Lake Superior Court Judge Clarence Murray sentenced a Hazel Crest, Ill., man to 45 years in prison for attempted murder.
Murray told David Jay Harman that the unprovoked, brutal attack on the 77-year-old victim whose throat was cut from ear to ear made the defendant the worst of the worst, but the judge stopped short of imposing the maximum 50-year sentence
Harman, 48, a former Marine who was honorably discharged in the 1980s, said evidence introduced at trial doesn’t paint a complete picture of what happened. “There are things that still need to come out,” Harman said. I’m not a bad person.” Harman said he plans to appeal.
Evidence presented by deputy prosecutor Judy Massa showed that Harman went to the home of J.R. Jenkins in the 7600 block of Oakdale Street in Hammond. At the time, Harman was dating Jenkins’ third ex-wife.
Harman and Jenkins got into an argument. Harman punched Jenkins, knocking off his glasses, then kicked him, punched him and broke a wooden chair over his head before he slashed Jenkins’ throat. Jenkins went to a neighbor’s house for help before he walked three doors down to another former wife’s home.
Massa argued for a 46-year sentence, citing the brutality of the attack and the severity of the injuries Jenkins sustained. Jenkins was hospitalized for about two months, developed complications and had to undergo additional surgery and physical rehabilitation. “Mr. Harman’s actions were actions of a monster and not of a Marine,” Massa said.
Defense attorney Adam Tavitas noted his client has minimal criminal history and that Harman helps his mother. Tavitas said Harman’s family is confused by the nature of the crime because it’s not in line with his character. “This is not the person that they know,” Tavitas said.
http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/news/18540841-418/illinois-man-sentence-for-slicing-elderly-hammond-mans-throat.html
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