A Rochester teen has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor in connection with a stabbing on the Oakland University campus.
Jason Anthony Ford, Jr., 18, entered his plea for an aggravated assault charge during a hearing April 28 in 52-3 District Court. Court records show Ford is seeking consideration for Holmes Youthful Training Act status, which — if granted by the judge — would result in a sealed record and dismissal of charges after completing whatever sentence he’s handed. The plea is deferred until his sentencing, scheduled for May 27 by Judge Laura Polizzi.
Ford is out on bond.
The teen accused in the stabbing, Joshua Damon Edwards, of Rochester, is facing a charge of assault with intent to commit murder. At Edwards’ arraignment in February, his attorney told the judge that the stabbing was in “lawful self defense” after Edwards’ personal property was taken from him.
Joshua Damon Edwards (Oakland County Jail)
The stabbing happened outside of Van Wagoner Hall on Feb. 5, according to OU Police Chief Mark Gordon, and two suspects — later identified as Edwards and Ford — fled the scene in a dark-colored SUV prior to police officers arriving. The male victim, who is not an OU student, was stabbed multiple times and subsequently let inside Van Wagoner Hall by an unidentified person, Gordon said.
Police responded to the scene that night at around 8:15 p.m. after receiving multiple 911 calls about a fight in progress, Gordon said.
Edwards, 19, was arrested on Feb. 10. He has no prior criminal history.
The case against Edwards was bound over to Oakland County Circuit Court following a preliminary exam in March.
Edwards is in the Oakland County Jail with bond set at $1 million. His next court date is scheduled for May 18 for a probable cause conference before Judge Daniel O’Brien.
Assault with intent to commit murder is punishable by up to life in prison.
Former teacher sentenced for sex crimes against student she tutored
Man who stabbed another outside restaurant will be out of jail in less than 6 months as sentenced
.