2021 Fall River stabbing suspect sentenced

FALL RIVER, Mass (WLNE) — A man who stabbed another man in Fall River in 2021 has been sentenced to 16-18 years in state prison.

Chance Costa, 27, of Tiverton, pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court on charges of armed assault with intent to murder among a host of other charges.

The incident occurred on Sept 26, 2021 as the 26-year-old victim helped a 27-year-old female unload items from her car.

Costa, who had been in a relationship with the female, hid behind a car with a knife and attacked the victim.

The victim was stabbed in the neck, torso, back and arm before Costa fled throwing the knife in some bushes.

The weapon was later recovered by police.

The victim walked a short distance before collapsing and was taken to Rhode Island Hospital where he was treated for approximately 23 stab wounds.

He almost died from his injuries, underwent several stomach and arm surgeries and still suffers from limited mobility in his arm.

Once apprehended, Costa fled from Fall River police and shoved an elderly man to ground, injuring the man’s head.

“This was a brutal and premeditated attempt to murder the victim, who easily could have died from multiple stab wounds inflicted by the defendant,” said Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III.

“The court imposed a significant prison sentence, which was appropriate based on the egregious conduct of the defendant and the suffering and injuries sustained by the victim.”