Crime & Safety
Man Charged In Columbia Stabbing Claims Self-Defense: Report
The men stabbed at a Columbia convenience store this week allegedly attacked the suspect, he says.
COLUMBIA, MD — The man charged in the deadly stabbing at a Columbia convenience store on Christmas says he was acting in self-defense, according to one media outlet. Police said Damien Gary Clark later turned himself in after authorities shared surveillance video in hopes of identifying him.
Clark, 41, of the 7500 block of Remoor Road, has been charged with second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault and reckless endangerment. He is being held without bail at the Howard County Detention Center.
Police said that Clark got into an argument that escalated with two people at the Trellis Center in the 10700 block of Hickory Ridge Road.
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His sister-in-law told Fox 45 that Clark and his wife were going to the convenience store to get lottery tickets and coffee when two men followed them inside.
"These guys attacked me," Clark said, in an Instagram video where his eyes are blackened. "They attacked me because I got smart with them, because I did not want to buy their drugs."
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His sister-in-law told Fox 45 that the fight started after one of the men spit at Clark, and she said Clark and his wife "were waiting around for police" and "the police never came, so they just left."
Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment as to whether officers were called to the location prior to the stabbing.
Police officials have said they were called at 9:40 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 25, for a report of two people stabbed, and both victims were taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center.
James Fallin Jr., 23, of Columbia, was pronounced deceased at shock trauma while Warner Jackson, 22, of Columbia, was treated and released, police said.
Clark turned himself in on Thursday, Dec. 28, according to officials. He has a preliminary hearing in Howard County District Court set for Jan. 26, 2018.
Still from video provided by Howard County Police Department.
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