A teenager arrested for stabbing a classmate at Pinecrest High School on April 28, 2023, pled guilty Thursday to attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, and misdemeanor possession of a weapon on school property, according to Moore County District Attorney Mike Hardin.
Judge Michael Stone sentenced Christopher Tarter to prison for “196-248 months (16.33-20.66 years)” on Thursday for the charges of attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, said Hardin.
Tarter was also sentenced to probation for five years upon his release from prison with a 45-day underlying sentence on misdemeanor possession of a weapon on school property with conditions not to contact the victim or her family.
Avery Slatcher, a junior at the time, was left in critical condition and required several surgeries after being stabbed more than 20 times in the back auditorium parking lot before school started while getting out of her car.
Tarter ran into the woods and was immediately apprehended.
“I am very proud of the victim and her family for their resiliency,” said Hardin to Sandhills Sentinel after the sentencing. “It is clearly a miracle, and only by the grace of God, she is still alive. I, along with the family, were extremely thankful to all those who gave aid to her on the scene and the medical providers and doctors who worked to save her life.”
To read more about what happened on the morning of the stabbing, please click on the link/picture below:
