Suspect arrested in Newberry stabbing

BY JENNIFER CABRERA

Craig Innes Lee, 61, was arrested today after a two-day search following a stabbing in Newberry at 9 a.m. Monday morning. Schools in Newberry were placed on secure status for much of the day on Monday, including cancellation of scheduled events such as Watermelon Day at Newberry Elementary School.

According to the sworn complaint, Lee and the victim had been arguing outside their residence in Newberry for about half an hour before Lee went into the residence, returned with a knife, and allegedly began stabbing the victim. She fell to the ground, where Lee allegedly continued to stab her several more times before walking away. The victim suffered approximately nine puncture wounds to her face, neck, arm, shoulder, and chest. She was transported to an emergency room under a trauma alert and is reported to be in stable condition.

The incident was reportedly captured on a neighbor’s security cameras, and a witness overheard the argument and saw part of the incident through a window. A warrant was quickly issued for Lee, and law enforcement officers have been searching for him.

Lee has 26 felony convictions and was on pre-trial release for a felony petit theft charge from January 2022. He has been to state prison 11 times and was most recently released in December of 2020. He has been charged with premeditated attempted homicide and is being held on $500,000 bond.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.