Prosecutors: Investigation reopened in downtown Raleigh stabbings
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Wake County prosecutors say they are reopening the investigation into a downtown Raleigh altercation that left four people stabbed after new surveillance video raised questions about what officers were initially told at the scene.
The new details in court came on Tuesday as Frank Lalich, who faces four counts of assault with a deadly weapon, appeared before a judge.
Prosecutors said the newly obtained video contradicts accounts previously provided by victims and other witnesses, casting doubt on whether the charges against Lalich will hold.
The stabbings occurred at 12:18 a.m. Saturday following a fight in downtown Raleigh. Four people were injured during the incident. Initial reports indicated that six people had been stabbed.
Prosecutors said investigators obtained surveillance video Tuesday morning that shows Lalich walking away from a bar while talking with the victims and the group they were with.
ALSO SEE | Man dies after being shot during fight in Raleigh, woman and 2 others facing charges
According to prosecutors, the video shows Lalich was sucker punched and then kicked while on the ground, and does not support the claim that he started the fight and stabbed people.
A defense attorney for Lalich said in court that Lalich has no criminal history. He said Lalich suffered significant injuries as a result of the altercation and needs to see a specialist for treatment.
ALSO SEE | Argument ends in shooting in a Raleigh grocery store parking lot
A judge issued a $2,000 unsecured bond for Lalich, ordered electronic monitoring, and ordered that he not contact any victim or witness connected to the incident as the case proceeds.
Prosecutors said the investigation is being reopened as they review the new video evidence.
They could not say whether other people could be charged or whether Lalich could face lesser charges as the investigation continues.
ABC11 is tracking crime and safety across Raleigh and in your neighborhood
