Nicholas Martin, 17, pleaded guilty on Oct. 28 to aggravated assault, possession of an instrument of crime, and simple assault, according to the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office. Along with his prison term, Martin was ordered to pay over $226,000 in restitution to cover his father's medical expenses.
The attack occurred on Oct. 11, 2023, at their home in the 6100 block of Division Highway around 6:30 p.m. Prosecutors said Martin shot his father multiple times with an AR-style BB gun before stabbing him with a 5.5-inch knife.
The victim, Martin's father, suffered stab wounds to his groin, back, arm, and hand. A woman intervened to separate the pair, and Martin retreated to his bedroom before surrendering to Pennsylvania State Police troopers without further incident.
Investigators revealed that the violence was premeditated. Earlier that day, Martin allegedly posted on social media that he was “going to kill my dad today.” He also sent his father a text message daring him to come home. A witness told police Martin spent the day with two BB guns and several knives, preparing for the attack.
The attack followed an argument between Martin and his father the night before. During a later interview with police, Martin admitted he wanted to kill his father during the incident, authorities said.
Assistant District Attorney Janie Swinehart prosecuted the case, and Trooper Amos Glick of the Pennsylvania State Police filed the charges.
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