PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – A Rhode Island man has been sentenced to serve 20 years in prison for fatally stabbing another man he says insulted his ex-girlfriend on social media.
Attorney General Peter Neronha announced Monday that 31-year-old James Stevens was sentenced to 30 years, with 20 to serve and the remainder suspended with probation.
Authorities say the Providence man stabbed 24-year-old Jasper Williams on Dec. 10, 2016 in East Providence.
According to records, Williams insulted Stevens’ girlfriend in the hours leading up to the confrontation.
Stevens was charged with murder but was convicted by a jury in April of manslaughter.
Stevens said he acted in self-defense after Williams threw the first punch and pulled a knife. But prosecutors say he initiated the confrontation and stabbed the victim 18 times.
