DANVERS — The lawyer for a man charged with stabbing another man Tuesday night says her client was acting in self-defense.
Justin Travers, 22, of 200 North St., Danvers, pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He is charged with stabbing Eric Mounsey, 23, of 60 N. Putnam St. during a fight near Mounsey's home.
A Salem District Court judge ordered Travers held without bail yesterday pending a hearing on Monday to determine whether he is a danger to the community.
Police say Travers stabbed Mounsey in the arm and lower back, possibly with a pair of scissors, during a fight. Mounsey's girlfriend drove him to the hospital before police, called by Mounsey's landlord, arrived.
When the officers showed up, they found few witnesses among the crowd that sat outside the house. But one witness said she heard Mounsey calling Travers a "snitch" just before the two men began fighting.
Prosecutor Lisa Core acknowledged that Mounsey, who received 10 stitches to his arm and four to his lower back, was "uncooperative" with police when they went to Beverly Hospital to question him.
Defense lawyer Allison Bloomquist said Travers, who has no history of violence, is the one who needs protection. She said Travers was targeted by Mounsey because Mounsey believed that he had been cooperating with authorities in another case.
"He's actually the person who should be protected," Bloomquist said. "He's not a danger."
Mounsey was treated at the hospital and released.
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