Stabbing defendant sentenced to 24 months in prison, all but three suspended

By Vivien Williams
– June 6, 2024
Daily Stories | stab | Suspects | Victims |

A stabbing defendant was sentenced to 24 months in prison, all but three of which were suspended by Washington Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on June 6.

Raeshell Lanier, 24, was initially charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for her involvement in a stabbing that occurred July 15, 2023, in the 1900 block of 9th Street, B.C. North West. Two people were injured in the incident, with one victim stabbed more than a dozen times and another suffering slashes to the face.

On March 8, Lanier accepted a plea offer that required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

During sentencing, the prosecution asked Judge Okun to sentence her to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of probation.

Lanier's attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, asked Judge Okun for a probation sentence, citing his young age and lack of criminal history. He added that she was provoked and frightened during the incident.

Judge Okun admitted sentencing was difficult, saying “a certain level of self-defense was justified” but the number of times the victim was stabbed was not.

“Incarceration would be deeply damaging to Ms. Lanier,” LoGerfo said, adding that “she will lose everything, her job and her home.”

However, Justice Okun said a fully probationary sentence would be inappropriate given the seriousness of the crime and imposed a sentence of 24 months, with all but three months suspended.

Lanier was sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which seals a youth's conviction once he or she has met all sentencing requirements.

No other date has been set.

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