Iowa Man Sentenced After Stabbing Cousin in the Head With Butcher Knife, Leaving Victim to Walk 20 Minutes With Blade Still Embedded

SIOUX CITY, IA — A western Iowa man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after stabbing his cousin in the head with a butcher knife so forcefully that the handle broke off, leaving the victim to walk nearly 20 minutes with the blade still embedded, according to court documents and local reports.

Argument After Day of Drinking Turns Violent

The attack took place on Oct. 11 in the basement of a home on South Lyons Street, where 24-year-old Tariq Thomas had been drinking with his cousin, Saville Thomas, also 24.
Authorities said the pair got into an argument around 6:10 p.m., which rapidly escalated into violence.

According to court records, Tariq grabbed a large butcher knife, stabbing Saville first in the left collarbone, then plunging the blade into his cousin’s head with enough force to snap the handle off.

Victim Walked for Help With the Knife Still in His Skull

Despite severe injuries and heavy bleeding, Saville managed to leave the home and walk for approximately 20 minutes before someone spotted him and called authorities.
Deputies arrived to find the blade still lodged in his head along with a wound to his collarbone.

Saville was taken to a nearby hospital and later transferred to a second medical center, where he underwent a six-hour surgery to remove the knife. He survived and was eventually released from care.

Relative Accused of Cleaning Crime Scene

Investigators said Mariah Thomas, 34, was also present during the stabbing.
Court documents allege she attempted to clean blood in the basement and wash the driveway, where a trail of blood led from inside the home to the street.

Both Tariq and Mariah were arrested on Oct. 20 following the investigation.

Mariah was charged with obstruction of justice. She pleaded not guilty on Oct. 30 and is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 18, according to KTIV.

Defendant Pleads Guilty, Receives 10-Year Sentence

Tariq Thomas pleaded guilty to willful injury causing serious injury, a felony under Iowa law.
A judge sentenced him to 10 years in prison, according to NBC affiliate KTIV.

The disturbing attack left the community rattled due to the severity of violence and the victim’s extraordinary effort to reach safety despite life-threatening injuries.

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