On Monday, October 15, 2018, Jonathan Duncan pled guilty before the Honorable R. Scott Sprouse to Attempted Murder, Domestic Violence 2nd Degree, and Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime. Judge Sprouse imposed a sentence of 27 years. Mr. Duncan will not be eligible for parole.
Duncan’s charges stemmed from a brutal attack on his wife Margaret Duncan and a mutual acquaintance, Justin Stasney, on June 6, 2016. The parties were spending time together when Duncan became enraged with his wife and believed she was going to leave him for Mr. Stasney. He struck her multiple times and began to choke her. At this point, Mr. Stasney stepped in to aid in Ms. Duncan’s defense. The Defendant subsequently attacked Mr. Stasney and he suffered near fatal knife wounds to his hands, back, and neck. Mr. Stasney was also stabbed in the face and, ultimately, lost one eye.
“Special thanks for the hard work of the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office in this case. Their quick response to the scene of this crime very likely saved the life of Mr. Stasney” stated Solicitor David Wagner. “The month of October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. Judge Sprouse’s sentence sends a strong message that domestic related, violent incidents such as this will not be tolerated in our community.”