Wilmington man pleads guilty to stabbing death

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Wilmington man pleaded guilty to a stabbing death that happened in 2012.

Anthony Leon Harris, 26, entered a plea of guilty Thursday in the second degree murder of 43 year old Timothy Chinn. Harris was at a home in Market North Apartments on October 9, 2012 when Chinn came to the door. An altercation
ensued where Mr. Chinn wielded a baseball bat and Harris stabbed Mr. Chinn 14 times.

Two minor children, a nine-year-old girl and a five-year-old boy, unrelated to both the defendant and victim, were
sleeping in a bedroom down the hall. The children were woken up by the fight, and they witnessed the stabbing at the end of the altercation.

“We were fortunate that the young girl was able to give a clear description of what she observed; she was completely consistent with the crime scene and the injuries sustained.” Assistant District Attorney Connie Jordan said. “This was certainly a traumatic experience for both children to witness, and our thoughts are with the family of the victim.”

The defendant’s competency to stand trial was in question based on a history of mental health issues. After a lengthy period of forensic evaluations, the defendant was deemed capable to proceed with the criminal charges.

Harris was convicted Thursday of second degree murder and he was sentenced to a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 13
years in the Department of Adult Corrections.

Mr. Chinn leaves behind 4 children, his parents, a brother and numerous family members.