Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the indictment of CHA’LA JAMISON, 23, for repeatedly stabbing a 39-year-old employee at an Upper East Side juice bar. JAMISON is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, two counts of Attempted Assault in the First Degree, two counts of Burglary in the Second Degree and one count of Assault in the Second Degree.^[1]  

“As alleged, Cha’la Jamison viciously attacked a juice bar employee over a declined transaction, leaving him on the ground and bleeding profusely,” said District Attorney Bragg. “This stabbing should not have happened and could have led to a tragic death. Our store workers deserve to be safe at work and should not have to fear they will get attacked by customers for simply doing their jobs. My thoughts are with the victim as he continues healing from his injuries.”

According to court documents and statements made on the record, approximately two hours before the stabbing on April 12, 2023, JAMISON entered the juice bar on East 61st Street and 3rd Avenue, ordered a drink and got into a dispute with the employee when her payment declined. The employee told her to take the drink, so he could tend to another customer. JAMISON began throwing items at the employee and knocking items to the floor. She threatened to return to the store to stab the employee and left with the drink.

At approximately 8:30 p.m., while the employee was cleaning at the back of the store, JAMISON returned, rushed behind the counter and grabbed a knife. She then went to the back of the store where she stabbed the employee in the hand, arm, neck and head before fleeing the scene.

JAMISON was arrested on April 17, 2023. Officers recovered a green bag containing clothing and accessories she was seen wearing at the time of the incident, including a wig, a purse and shoes that appeared to be stained with blood. Police later executed a search warrant of JAMISON’s apartment and recovered additional clothing and accessories matching what she was wearing at the time of the incident.

Assistant D.A.s Zachary Kaplan and Ellina Nektalova (Trial Bureau 30) are handling the prosecution of this case, under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Erin Tierney (Chief of Trial Bureau 30) and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division), with the assistance of Digital Evidence Analyst Keren Niremberg and Trial Preparation Assistant Bridget Brody.

D.A. Bragg thanked the 19th Precinct, including Police Officer Shatorra Foster (19th Precinct Detective Squad) and Lieutenant Christopher Doty, as well as the 17th Precinct for their thorough investigation and coordination.

Defendant Information:
CHA’LA JAMISON
Manhattan, New York
 
Charged:

• Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a class B felony, one count
• Attempted Assault in the First Degree, a class C felony, two counts
• Burglary in the Second Degree, a class C felony, two counts
• Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony, one count

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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.