Two men have been sentenced to jail after carrying out a vicious stabbing attack on teenager Dontae Davis in Eastville, Bristol. Rioul Scharschmidt, 21, and Romaine Mullings, 20, both from Bristol, were found guilty at Bristol Crown Court on 7 March for their roles in the attack, which occurred on May 22, 2021.
The court heard how Dontae Davis was viciously assaulted by the defendants, sustaining multiple stab wounds to his head, abdomen, and buttock with weapons described as “fearsome. Despite the severity of the attack, Mr. Davis miraculously survived, though he required hospital treatment for his injuries.
Scharschmidt and Mullings were arrested later on the same day after seeking medical attention for injuries they sustained during the altercation. Scharschmidt was found with a knife wound in his upper back, while Mullings had injuries to his neck and arm.
At the sentencing hearing on May 9, Scharschmidt was sentenced to five years and six months in custody for wounding with intent and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. Mullings, on the other hand, received a jail term of 20 months for wounding without intent and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.
Tragically, Mr. Davis succumbed to another stabbing attack just months later in October 2021, resulting in his untimely death. His killer is currently serving a nine-year jail term for manslaughter.
In an emotional impact statement read to the court, Mr. Davis’ mother, Niquae, described the devastating toll her son’s death has taken on their family. She emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for carrying knives, highlighting the profound impact such choices have on families and communities.
Addressing the defendants, His Honour Judge Edward Burgess condemned their actions, noting the “fearsome” nature of the weapons used in the attack and the disregard for human life displayed by the perpetrators.
As Scharschmidt and Mullings begin their prison sentences, Mr. Davis’ family continues to grapple with the heartbreak of losing their loved one. Their hope is that justice served will bring a sense of closure and serve as a deterrent against further acts of violence in the community.
