Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Tacoma– A 41-year-old Tacoma man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 80 months in prison for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Shaun Lee Blue stabbed the victim multiple times leaving him critically injured. Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo said “it is difficult for the court to wrap around the idea that whatever the victim did could justify stabbing him 17 times.”
According to records filed in the case, Blue worked for the victim as a day laborer. On March 19, 2023, the men were working on removing an old trailer from a property in Eatonville, Washington. At the end of the workday, the two met up at the Roy Y Park and Ride lot so that the victim could pay Blue for the work he had done.
At the parking lot, both men got out of their cars and started to argue. Blue pulled a knife and stabbed the victim in the abdomen multiple times causing serious cuts to his intestines, colon, and liver. Blue continued to stab the victim even after the victim fell to the ground.
After the attack, Blue drove away and the victim was able to call 9-1-1 for help. He was found critically injured in his vehicle and was taken to the hospital. The victim continues to recover from his significant injuries and multiple surgeries.
The Roy Y Park and Ride is on the property of Joint Base Lewis McChord and therefore is in exclusive federal jurisdiction.
In asking for a sentence above the guidelines range Assistant United States Attorney Hillary Stuart wrote to the court, “Blue has not yet been deterred from violent crime despite numerous arrests and jail sentences. Blue’s prior interactions with the law should have put him on notice as to the serious consequences of his crimes, but it did not. He lacks any respect for the law or the legal system.”
The victim is asking for $25,363 in restitution. Chief Judge Estudillo will determine the exact amount of restitution at a hearing next month.
The case was investigated by the FBI, and Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) with assistance from the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hillary K. Stuart.