Malicious Wounding

Martinsburg Police arrested a 43 year-old Martinsburg man on a felony charge of Malicious Wounding after he stabbed his girlfriend during the course of a domestic altercation.

James McKermick Brown, of East Martin Street, was arrested after Officers received a 911 call initially reported as a domestic argument at a residence in the 300 block of East Martin Street. The investigation revealed Brown and his girlfriend became involved in an argument. The two went for a walk to calm down, but continued to argue. As they were reentering the residence the female pushed the door open as Brown was apparently trying to open it, causing him to almost fall. At some point in the argument, Brown grabbed the 39 year-old female around the throat and began to choke her. The incident was witnessed by the woman’s 17 year-old son. The boy attempted to intervene, but was told by his mother to go back downstairs. After doing so the son heard a thump on the floor and went back upstairs to see what it was. The boy then found his mother with a knife protruding from her mid torso. The upstairs neighbor came down to check on everyone, at which time, the victim’s son had her call 911. Evidence to corroborate the reported information was found at the scene including the alleged weapon, a dagger with a six inch blade.

Brown was transported to the Police Department, processed and taken to the Eastern Regional Jail to await arraignment by a Berkeley County Magistrate. The victim was treated at the scene by Martinsburg Fire Department personnel for a minor injury. The case was investigated by Officer S.A.Spiker


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