MARINE WAS VICTIM OF STABBING ON VETERANS DAY
Gregory J. Lamoureux, County Courier
By Gregory J. Lamoureux
County Courier
ST. ALBANS: A stabbing in the City of St. Albans left one man in critical condition Monday morning. That man was identified by law enforcement Tuesday afternoon in Criminal court.
Police say that 44-year-old Rodney L’Esperance stabbed his roommate, Nicholas Luciano.
The stabbing allegedly took place just before 5:00 AM on Veterans Day. By coincidence, Luciano is a U.S. Marine and the two men had spent the night before celebrating the birthday of the Marine Corps, according to police.
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L’Esperance allegedly told police that he stabbed Luciano. He allegedly referred to Luciano as a “jarhead,” according to police records.
Public Defender Paul Gross argued to the Judge for a lower bail amount, something near $80,000, in an attempt to get Lesperance out of prison while he awaits trial.
“I think there is a case of self-defense here,” Gross said, “Luciano was seen fighting with my client the night before.”
Gross went on to argue that Lesperance was the one who reported the stabbing. He also said his client tried to stop the bleeding before Police arrived at the apartment.
Initially, L’Esperance was held on $150,000 bail with the charge of first degree attempted murder until his arraignment today.
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The prosecutor, Deb Celis said the defendant needs to be held without bail in order to protect the public. “There was no sign of a disturbance.” Celis said, “ It appears that he was stabbed while in bed, perhaps while sleeping.”
L’Esperance admitted stabbing Luciano, wounding him in the neck and arm.
The bail was struck and the charge was reduced to second degree attempted murder.
In addition to L’Esperance being held without bail, he was also ordered not to have any contact with Luciano.
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The defense requested that the Judge order immediate transport to the closest hospital for an exam in order to document any injuries that could have originated the night of the stabbing.
According to Gross, L’Esperance has an injury to his leg, as well as one of his ears.
Gross claimed that if he was not able to be transported to the hospital, it could take up to 30 days for a doctor to show up at the Correctional Center to do an exam. Judge Scot Kline approved that motion.
A secondary hearing, to determine if bail should be set, was ordered. That hearing will be similar to a mini-trial. The date of that hearing has yet to be set.
L’Esperance has a criminal record, including three felony convictions and seven misdemeanors, according to testimony within the courtroom on Tuesday.
The County Courier will update this story with more information when it becomes available.
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