20 To 40 Year Sentenced Handed Down In 2017 Delco Stabbing Murder

DARBY, PA — A Philadelphia man was hit with a 20- to 40-year prison sentence for a stabbing murder that occurred in August 2017.

Delaware County District Attorney Katayoun M. Copeland said Curtis Brooks, 25, Philadelphia, pleaded guilty to third-degree murder Monday and was sentenced today to 20 to 40 years in prison for a stabbing death that occurred on Aug. 5, 2017.

Brooks also entered an open guilty plea in a related case that occurred in Feb. 2, 2017, to simple assault, burglary, robbery, and endangering the welfare of children and was sentenced to two to four years of imprisonment.

Following a negotiated guilty plea before Delaware County Court of Common Pleas Richard Capelli, Brooks pleaded guilty to third-degree murder.

At 11:44 a.m. on Aug. 5, 2017, Darby Borough Police Department was dispatched to the 100 block of South 5th Street for the report of a stabbing.

Upon arrival, the victim, later identified as Mario Garrett, was found unresponsive in the hallway with a large stab wound to his chest.

While the EMT was assessing the victim’s injuries, a cell phone next to the victim showed the victim had received numerous incoming calls from "Curtis."

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Police investigation revealed that on the morning of Aug. 5, 2017, Brooks forced his way into his ex-girlfriend’s apartment and confronted the Garrett, ultimately stabbing and killing him.

Following an open guilty plea in front of Delaware County Court of Common Pleas Richard Capelli, Brooks pleaded to simple assault, burglary, robbery, and endangering the welfare of children.

On Feb. 2, 2017, at 11:40 p.m., the Darby Borough Police Department was dispatched to a residence on Main Street for the report of a domestic disturbance, where the victim informed police her ex-boyfriend, Brooks, assaulted her and her mother and stole her cell phone.

The victim explained to police that Brooks had been threatening her for several days because she broke off the relationship, and sent her a message that he was coming over with money and taking the children.

While the victim was on the phone with 911, Brooks kicked in the door frame and assaulted the victim while the children were nearby.

Both the victim and one of her family members sustained injuries and were transported to Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital for medical treatment.