Deer Park, NY - January 31, 2017 - A 53 year old parolee was convicted today after a four day trial of stabbing a woman 14 months ago during an altercation in a home in Deer Park, Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota said.

Gregory Barnes of Deer Park, whose arrest record dating back to 1981 includes four prior violent felony convictions, including convictions for attempted robbery and weapons possession, was found guilty this afternoon of assault in the second degree, a violent felony.  Barnes stabbed the woman, Joyce Thomas, 43, with a large kitchen knife during an altercation at the victim’s friend’s house on November 7, 2015.     

While in the home drinking alcohol, the defendant and Ms. Thomas argued about leaving the premises and the dispute culminated in Barnes stabbing her in the back of the head. 

The attack was witnessed by the homeowner who helped the injured Ms. Thomas pry the knife from Barnes’ hand.  Suffolk County police were called and apprehended Barnes within minutes at the corner of Bayshore Road and Washington Avenue in Deer Park. Ms. Thomas, of Huntington Station, was hospitalized and recovered from the injury.

The jury began deliberations at 2:45pm yesterday (1/30/2017).  The defendant was remanded to the county jail without bail or bond to await sentencing on March 2, 2017.

Barnes faces a maximum of 25 years to life imprisonment because of his past violent felony conviction record.

Be advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.