Judge Lowers Charges In Stabbing

In a shocking development, an Arizona judge has dismissed attempted murder charges against Kaci Sloan, the college student accused of nearly killing her classmate, Mara Daffron, in a brutal knife attack at Arizona State University’s West Valley campus. Sloan, who had been facing multiple charges after the premeditated assault on September 19, now faces only lesser charges of aggravated assault, carrying a potential sentence of two to nine years.

The attack, described by witnesses as entirely unprovoked, left the 19-year-old Daffron with severe injuries, including a ruptured spleen and deep wounds to her chest and arm, requiring emergency surgery.

According to reports, Sloan targeted Daffron, whom she knew from a prior class, as an “easier target” after considering other victims. She reportedly planned the attack the night before, packing a knife in her backpack with the intent to harm someone.

What makes this case all the more disturbing is the seemingly senseless nature of the attack. Sloan, a college student with no prior criminal record, lived in a $784,000 home in Glendale and led what appeared to be a privileged life. Her social media profiles paint a picture of a young woman enjoying life, traveling, and involved in school activities. However, court documents reveal that Sloan had been harboring “intrusive thoughts” about harming people and believed that the attack would somehow make her problems “go away.”

Daffron, still recovering physically and emotionally, is left traumatized by the incident. Her mother, Launi, expressed devastation over the reduced charges, questioning whether “justice” would only have been served if her daughter had died in the attack. Despite surviving the assault, Daffron is struggling with nightmares and remains too afraid to return to campus.

Adding to the horror of the situation, Navy veteran Matthew McCormick acted heroically, intervening just as Sloan was preparing to strike Daffron a third time. McCormick wrestled Sloan to the ground, disarmed her, and restrained her until authorities arrived, undoubtedly saving Daffron’s life. His bravery has been widely praised, and he has described the event as “predatory,” remarking that Sloan deliberately preyed upon a vulnerable classmate.

The case has drawn widespread attention due to the shocking details and the dismissal of the more serious charges. Sloan, who admitted to planning the attack the night before, had written letters to family and friends apologizing for her actions. Yet, despite the clear premeditation, the attempted murder charge was thrown out, leaving many, including Daffron’s family, questioning the legal system’s handling of the case.

Judge Jane McLaughlin had previously expressed concern over Sloan’s potential danger to the community, comparing the attack to a “school shooting” and describing the risk she posed as “extreme.” Despite this, the charges were downgraded, sparking outrage and disbelief among those following the case.

As Daffron continues her recovery at home, her family remains hopeful for her return to school next year, but the emotional scars from this terrifying attack will likely take much longer to heal. Meanwhile, Sloan awaits further legal proceedings on her aggravated assault charges, but the decision to dismiss attempted murder has left many fearing that justice may never be fully served in this chilling case.

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