On May 15, 2008, Tulare County Superior Court Judge Darryl Ferguson imposed a prison sentence of 9 years on 51 year old Charlotte Bilbrew of Visalia. A jury found the defendant guilty of assault with a deadly weapon on April 17, 2008.

The defendant’s boyfriend, sustained a single stab wound to his chest on November 22, 2007. The defendant and the victim were arguing throughout the day on November 21, 2007. The victim left their residence and then returned home at approximately 1:00 a.m. on November 22, 2007. When he returned, the victim woke the defendant up and they continued arguing in their bedroom. The defendant then went to the kitchen and retrieved a knife. The victim followed her to the kitchen and at that point was stabbed one time by the defendant. The victim was transported to Kaweah Delta Hospital for treatment. Police officers located the knife and both the defendant and the victim identified it as the knife that was used to stab the victim in the chest. At trial the defense argued both accidental stabbing and self defense.

The Judge sentenced the defendant to serve 9 years in prison. She was also ordered to pay a $400 restitution fine and actual restitution was left open.

This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Erika Ziegenhorn, and investigated by Visalia Police Department and Keith Smith of the District Attorney's Office, Bureau of Investigations.

Contact Person: Assistant District Attorney, William Yoshimoto, (559)733-6411.