Man sentenced to six years community service for stabbing Gunbarrel roommate – Boulder Daily Camera

A man accused of stabbing his Gunbarrel roommate three times during an April 2023 altercation was sentenced Friday to six years of community service.

Christopher Sherrill, 44, was initially charged with attempted second-degree murder, second-degree assault, menacing with a real or simulated weapon, two counts of third-degree assault – fluids – first responder, and first-degree assault – causing serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon, and an enhancement for a crime of violence.

However, on May 10, Sherrill pleaded guilty to second-degree assault – inflicting injury with a deadly weapon. In entering the plea, the district attorney’s office dismissed all other charges.

On Friday, Sherrill was sentenced to six years of community service, with 460 days deducted from his sentence.

Defense attorney Emily Briggs stated that Sherrill acted in self-defense as he was evicting his roommate when the stabbing occurred.

“He has never denied stabbing (his roommate) since the beginning of this case,” Briggs said. “He entered that plea knowing that he would not receive probation because of his criminal history. This is a case where Mr. Sherrill said he acted in self-defense. None of us standing here, other than (Sherrill), know what happened in that garage.”

Briggs also said that Sherrill apologized for spitting on agents during the booking process, saying that “no one expects that when you go to work.”

“Mr. Sherrill has been doing well since he’s been in prison. He feels very bad about that incident,” Briggs said.

Sherrill then addressed the courtroom and apologized to all the victims who had been affected by this.

“I just want to say that I apologize to everyone that was involved in this and I’m trying very hard to make myself better for the community and make myself useful,” Sherrill said. “I don’t want to hurt people, that’s not who I am.”

But Deputy District Attorney Shannon Hautzinger denied the idea that Sherrill stabbed his roommate in self-defense.

“He got angry, he exploded, and then he stabbed another person three more times. And he said he only stopped because (his roommate) begged for his life,” Hautzinger said. “I think at least 10 years is appropriate based on everything that’s going on in this case.”

Boulder District Judge Thomas F. Mulvahill ultimately agreed with the recommendation to conduct an investigation before sentencing.

“It is noteworthy that although there were three stab wounds, they did not cause serious bodily harm,” Mulvahill said. “(Sherill’s) last felony conviction was 12 years ago. The criminal history itself is virtually free of any serious offensive behavior and frankly I think the probation officer’s analysis and recommendation are appropriate.”

According to an affidavit, the victim suffered serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

Mulvahill made it clear that Sherrill would be held in the Boulder County Jail while awaiting a bed in a community detention center.