Kansas City, Kansas – A Kansas family is relieved now that their daughter’s attacker, John McGriff, has been sentenced to over a decade in prison. The ordeal began in July 2023 when 47-year-old Stephanie Perez was viciously attacked with a knife while walking home from a volunteer shift. Living with her parents in Kansas City due to special needs, Perez suffered permanent damage to her hand, as well as facial and neck scarring.
McGriff had initially faced four charges, including mistreatment of a dependent adult and aggravated assault. However, those charges were dropped when he took a plea deal in August. Subsequently, on Wednesday, a judge sentenced McGriff to a little over 13 years in prison for second-degree murder and aggravated battery, with sentences that will run consecutively.
The attack on Perez occurred shortly after McGriff stabbed his father to death at a senior living facility. During his sentencing, McGriff apologized but did not look at Perez’s family. Perez has undergone multiple surgeries with one more planned to improve function in her hand. The motive for the attack remains unknown.
The case was delayed multiple times, including a mental evaluation that ultimately found McGriff competent to stand trial. McGriff’s attorney requested another mental examination in November, but in May of 2024, the defense opted not to rely on a lack of mental state defense. McGriff received prison credit starting from his arrest in July 2023, and his sentence began immediately after the recent sentencing. The family expressed their hope that McGriff’s imprisonment will prevent him from hurting anyone else in the future.
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Photo credit fox4kc.com
