A woman convicted of breaking into the home of her boyfriend's pregnant ex-girlfriend and stabbing her multiple times will spend more than 15 years in prison.
Shagirah Akila Joyce, 28, previously pleaded guilty to attempted murder, residential burglary, and assault with a deadly weapon, with enhancements for inflicting great bodily injury and use of a knife.
The incident happened in May 2016 when the victim, 10 months pregnant, told officers that she was at her home with her two daughters, ages 1 and 3, when Joyce forced her way inside the apartment on the 1200 block of Petree Street in El Cajon.
The victim was taken to the hospital after suffering multiple stab wounds to her arms, face and chest. The injuries were not life threatening to her or her unborn child, police said.
The suspect, whom police say is dating the victim’s ex-boyfriend, was found shortly after inside a car near the home.
Coincidentally, the suspect's boyfriend also was with her. A neighbor told NBC 7 that she heard him screaming as the suspect was apprehended by police.
"He didn't know. He was asleep in the car and he was shocked and screaming," neighbor Cheryl Castillo said, noting the man was concerned for the welfare of the children inside the apartment as well as the victim.
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On Wednesday, Joyce was sentenced to 15 years and four months in prison.
