Judge Hands Down Ruling on Deng Preliminary Hearing

A San Diego resident accused of stabbing an 18-year- old man during a fight at a house party in Poway must stand trial on attempted murder and assault charges, a judge ruled today.

Kueth Tut Deng, also 18, was arrested the morning after the Oct. 26 brawl on Lingre Avenue near Gaelyn Court. He was out on bail on an unrelated assault case when he was charged with attempted murder, said Deputy District Attorney Jihan Yacoub.

According to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, a group of unwanted guests crashed the party and a fight broke out. The victim, identified as Melvin Tarter, was stabbed three times in the side and once in the arm.

According to testimony at today's preliminary hearing, Deng stabbed Tarter while Tarter was grappling with another man.

Judge Charles Gill ruled that enough evidence was presented for Deng to proceed to trial on Jan. 8. The defendant faces at least 15 years in prison if convicted, Yacoub said.

-- City News Service