DOWNEY – A 38-year-old Downey man that fatally stabbed another man earlier this year was sentenced Monday to 12 years in prison. Deputy District Attorney Don Syn said William Johnson pleaded no contest to one felony count of voluntary manslaughter on Nov. 19.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Peter Espinoza of the Norwalk Branch also ordered Johnson to pay more than $2,000 in restitution to the Victim Compensation Board.

On March 4, Johnson and the victim, Darin Sivley, 53, were at an acquaintance’s home. During the visit, the victim got into an argument with  the homeowner, who then asked Sivley to leave, the prosecutor said.

Johnson became involved in the argument, pulled out a knife and stabbed Sivley in the upper arm. The puncture severed a major artery and the victim began to bleed profusely, the prosecutor added.

Johnson placed a tourniquet on Sivley’s arm and the victim then left on his bicycle to go to the hospital. Sivley ultimately collapsed on the street and died.

**********

Published: Dec. 11, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 35