Charges May Be Dropped In Downtown Nantucket Stabbing Case
David Creed •
It appears a resolution could be coming in the downtown stabbing incident that occurred in June after it was revealed in Nantucket District Court Monday morning by the defense attorney for one of the two men involved in the altercation that his client does not intend to move forward with the charges against the man who stabbed him.
The June 23rd fight between Kemar Downer and Andre Hamilton on South Beach Street - allegedly over a woman - began with Hamilton attacking Downer from behind, according to a surveillance video, and ended with Downer retaliating by slashing at Hamilton with a knife. Downer was arrested at the scene, while Hamilton was flown off-island by Medflight helicopter for treatment. Both men are facing criminal charges.
Downer's attorney, Rob Moriarty, said in open court on Monday that Hamilton has told the Commonwealth he does not intend to move forward with the charges against Downer, and a bench trial date was scheduled for October 19th. Downer is facing two charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury.
Hamilton is scheduled to appear in court that same day for a pretrial hearing on charges of assault and battery, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Video obtained by the Current showed Hamilton attacking Downer from behind, which led to Downer stabbing Hamilton. Moriarty reiterated in court on Monday that Downer’s actions were out of self-defense.
Moriarty said he expects to “bring this all to a head” on October 19th.
Prosecutors also submitted a motion, which was granted by Chief Justice of the Massachusetts District Court Stacey Fortes, who was the sitting judge for Monday's court session, for Hamilton to turn over his medical records from the incident to the state.