November 1, 2013 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Page 15 State Seeking 16-Year Sentence In OC Stabbing By SHAWN J. SOPER NEWS EDITOR Restaurant 213 Invites You To Enjoy Thanksgiving Two Ways FINE AMERICAN DINING WITH GLOBAL INFLUENCES DINE IN Leave The Fuss To Us And Let Our Staff Serve You In Style DINE OUT OR Give Your Guests The Best And Take A Feast To Go Order By Sunday, Nov. 24 SNOW HILL – An Ocean City woman, arrested in May on attempted murder and assault charges after a stabbing incident in a resort residence, pleaded guilty this week in Worcester County Circuit Court to one count of attempted second-degree murder and the state is seeking a 16-year prison sentence. Around 3:50 a.m. on May 9, Ocean City Police and paramedics responded to a residence on Robin Drive for a reported stabbing incident. OCPD officers arrived on the scene and located a victim who had obvious injuries to her neck and shoulders. During the investigation, police learned the victim had been in a verbal argument with the suspect, Sharon Lee Ward, 47, of Ocean City. During the argument and ensuing struggle, Ward attacked the victim with a kitchen knife, stabbing her multiple times in the neck. The victim was able to flee the unit, and with the assistance of neighbors, contacted police. The victim was treated by paramedics for stab wounds to the neck and was later transported to PRMC for treatment. Ward was also treated at the scene for minor injuries and transported to AGH where she was later released to the OCPD. The investigation revealed the victim and Ward were living together and that there was a Maryland Court Final Protective Order on file prohibiting Ward from having any contact with the victim. Police recovered the weapon believed to have been used in the attack at the crime scene. Ward was arrested and charged initially with first- and second-degree assault, use of a weapon with intent to injure, reckless endangerment and violation of a protective order. Charges of attempted firstdegree murder and attempted second-degree murder were later added. On Tuesday, Ward pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree murder and a pre-sentence investigation was ordered. According to the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office, the maximum penalty for the seconddegree attempted murder conviction is 30 years. However, the guidelines computed by the state were in a range of 12 to 20 years. Ward’s attorneys are claiming the sentencing guidelines are in the range of nine to 14 years, which is part of the reason for the pre-sentence investigation. Lead prosecutor Abby Marsh said this week the state will recommend a sentence of 30 years with all but 16 years suspended. Make This Holiday Memorable BOTH MEALS INCLUDE: For Reservations, Call: 410-677-4880 213 North Fruitland Boulevard (Just South Of Salisbury University) www.restaurant213.com Slow-Roasted Turkey, Honey-Glazed Ham, New England Stuffing, Roasted Candied Yams, Mashed Potatoes, Sugar Snap Peas, Glazed Carrots, Orange Cranberry Relish, Giblet Gravy, Pumpkin Cheesecake And Chocolate Molten Cake