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By Carey Phillips
Two people have been charged in the stabbing of a Smoky Mountain
High student that occurred early Sunday morning at Wal-Mart.
Joby Upson, 16, of Allens Branch, Sylva, was taken to Mission
Hospitals in Asheville. He was listed in good condition, Sylva
Police Chief Jeff Jamison said Monday morning.
Charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill
inflicting serious injury are Jimmy Baxter Berjeron, 16, of Cullowhee,
and John Logan Harkin, 19, of Sylva.
Jamison said the incident began around 1 a.m. when Police Sgt.
Judy Henry stopped a vehicle driven by John Stanley Young of Pumpkintown
community in the vicinity of Wal-Mart and issued a warning ticket
for speeding.
Berjeron and Harkin, who were Young's passengers, got out of the
vehicle and went in Wal-Mart, according to Jamison. After Young
received the ticket, he drove off leaving Berjeron and Harkin
behind, the chief said.
The two then began approaching people in Wal-Mart asking for a
ride, according to Jamison. At least one of them approached Upson
in the rest room and had a request for a ride denied.
The stabbing occurred a few minutes later near Wal-Mart's front
door. Berjeron stabbed Upson in the abdomen three times with a
knife, Jamison said.
Berjeron and Harkin left on foot but were taken into custody a
short time later on N.C. 107 near Jack the Dipper by WCU Police
Officer Cheng Her, Jamison said.
As of Tuesday afternoon, both men were being held in the Jackson
County jail. Berjeron's bond was set at $40,000 with Harkin's
bond set at $25,000.
Police Detective John Buchanan is in charge of the investigation.
Henry and Officer Tom Tenhagen are assisting.
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