Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. today announced the sentencing of CHA’LA JAMISON, 24, to 12 years in state prison for repeatedly stabbing a 39-year-old employee at an Upper East Side juice bar. On January 31, 2024, JAMISON pleaded guilty in a New York State Supreme Court to one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree.

“Cha’la Jamison ferociously attacked and seriously injured a New Yorker who was just doing his job,” said District Attorney Bragg. “This attack has significantly impacted the victim, who continues to suffer physical pain and emotional trauma, and has been unable to work. I hope this sentence can offer some peace and comfort, despite the serious harm that occurred. I thank our prosecutors for working diligently to secure accountability in this case.” 

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 argued 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.

As admitted in the defendant’s guilty plea, 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. The employee required stitches to close several of his wounds, and later required surgical treatment for his hand injury. He still suffers from limited mobility and feeling to his hand.

JAMISON was arrested on April 17, 2023, after attempting to flee her apartment with a green bag, via the fire escape, when officers arrived. Officers recovered the 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 Cunningham handled 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). Investigative Analyst Keren Niremberg (Trial Bureau 30) and Trial Preparation Assistants Bridget Brody (Trial Bureau 70), Victoria Ramirez (Trial Bureau 30), and Andrea Jeng (Trial Bureau 30) also provided valuable assistance in this case. 

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

New York, NY 

Convicted: 

• Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a class B felony, one count

Sentenced:

• 12 years in state prison, 5 years post-release supervision

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