Final Arrest in Friday the 13th Stabbing Attack
Following an altercation as violent as any scene featuring slasher film icon “Jason”, a fourth arrest has been made pursuant to a week-long investigation into the circumstances of a multiple-victim stabbing that took place outside a Santa Barbara Mesa neighborhood residence where a party was being held on Friday, April 13th.
Just prior to midnight on April 13, Santa Barbara Police responded to a 911 Emergency call reporting a street fight on Del Mar Avenue. When police arrived, according to Sergeant Riley Harwood, SBPD Public Information Officer, “two victims with serious stab wounds” were immediately located and transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
On-scene investigation and witness statements, Riley reported, led officers to identify four suspects. Pursuant to witness identifications, Devin Thomas Kelley, 24, Eddie Jonathan Mesa Jr., 23, Sean Michael Crane, 23, and Michael Joseph Hardy, 22 were arrested. Charges against Kelley are still pending further investigation, but Crane and Hardy have been charged with attempted murder and use of a deadly weapon. Bail for Hardy stands at $105,000, while Crane’s bail is currently set at $1,000,000.
Hardy is further charged with causing great bodily injury and parole violation. Mesa, a U.S. Marine on leave following a 7-month tour of duty in Afghanistan, is charged with accessory after the fact in connection with Crane’s attempted murder charge, with bail set at $250,000.
According to Harwood, one of the stabbing victims, a 40 year-old male, “remains in critical condition”.
Photo: courtesy New Line Cinema
Read more:
keyt.com: Mesa Stabbing Suspects Arraigned
edhat: Attempt Homicide Arrests
Noozhawk: Police Identify Three Suspects Arrested in Connection with Stabbings at Mesa Party
