Courts Sentence Woburn Showcase Stabber

Image: Patch file photo of the 2011 crime scene outside Woburn’s Showcase Cinema.

Having been found guilty in January of a brutal 2011 stabbing and carjacking, 23-year-old Chantha Chau of New London, Conn., received a sentence of six to eight years in state prison, in addition to a five-year probation period, according to a missive from Middlesex District Courts.

State documents say Chau approached Charles Northrup, a 42-year-old Wakefield resident at the time, while Northrup sat in his parked car in front of the Woburn Showcase, and made the universal “Do you have an extra cigarette?” gesture on Sept. 6, 2011. Northrup rolled down his window and reached for his pack. Demonstrating a significant lack of gratitude, Chau proceeded to stab Northrup in the neck, authorities say.

Northrup escaped the car and tried to flee, but Chau tackled him and continued stabbing. Then Chau drove away in Northrup’s car.

Northrup survived, but spent three weeks in the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Three factors led to Chau’s capture. Firstly, Northrup’s stolen car was found in New London.

Secondly, months later, police found another car with slashed tires, registered in New London, in a Holiday Inn parking lot next to the Woburn Showcase. After searching the vehicle, police also found a receipt bearing Chau’s name.

Thirdly, Chau resembled a composite sketch police put together based on Northrup’s testimony.

Chau was arrested in May of 2012.