NORWALK – A 38-year-old Downey man accused of fatally stabbing another man in Norwalk pleaded no contest last week. William Johnson pleaded no contest to a felony count of voluntary manslaughter. He was sentenced Tuesday to 12 years in prison.

Deputy district attorney Don Syn, who prosecuted the case, said that on March 4, Johnson and the victim, Darin Sivley, 53, were at an acquaintance’s home. While there, Sivley began to irritate the homeowner, who wanted him to leave.

As a result, Johnson pulled out a knife and stabbed Sivley in the upper arm. The puncture severed a major artery and Sivley began to bleed profusely, the prosecutor said.

A tourniquet was placed on Sivley’s arm and he left the home on his bicycle to go to a hospital. He collapsed on the way and died.

Johnson was arrested two days after the incident and held on $1 million bail.

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Published: Nov. 27, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 33