Andre L. Stevens was taken into custody for homicide early Friday, May 4, after allegedly stabbing John Raymond McCoy, Jr., during an altercation at an apartment complex.
Clearlake Police Lt. Mike Hermann reported that CPD officers were dispatched to the location shortly after midnight for the report of an in-progress stabbing. “Sgt. Tim Celli and Officer Tim Hobbs arrived on scene within moments at which time Stevens was found still holding the knife with bloody hands,” Hermann stated in a department press release.
Stevens was detained and the victim was found nearby with multiple stab wounds. Hermann reported that the victim, who was initially conscious, identified Stevens as his attacker before passing away.
The incident was also witnessed by several residents in the area as McCoy had reportedly tried to get the attention of others in order to obtain help. Police detectives were called to the scene and Stevens later provided a statement regarding the incident. He was later transported and booked into the Lake County jail.
Hermann later reported that a second suspect, Bernard Crowder, was also arrested in connection with the stabbing.
On Monday, May 7, Stevens was arraigned on a felony criminal complaint. District Attorney Jon Hopkins reported that Stevens has been charged with one count of murder with malice aforethought. Further allegations concern the use of a dangerous and deadly weapon and prior criminal convictions.
Stevens was reportedly convicted of second-degree robbery in 1990 in Santa Clara County and allegedly served a term in federal prison for felony battery against a police officer.
Stevens is due to appear Friday, May 11, in Lake County Superior Court, Dept. 4. Bail has been set at $1 million. Deputy District Attorney John J. Langen is prosecuting the case and Stevens is being represented by attorney Thomas Quinn.
Contact Cynthia Parkhill at cparkhill@clearlakeobserver.com.
