Wilmington Police are investigating a stabbing that occurred Friday, July 12, 2019, at approximately 1:38 p.m. in the 800 block of Market Street.
Shortly after the incident, several sources familiar with the case contacted First State Update telling us that the victim was a public defender that had been attacked by a former client.
On Friday afternoon news of the attack began to spread through the courthouse. Staff was learning that the victim, who we are not naming, was a well-known public defender that had been stabbed in the shoulder a block away from the courthouse and that Wilmington Police officers that were patrolling the area were able to apprehend the suspect.
Wilmington Police Spokesman David Karas said Police officers on proactive patrol in the area located and apprehended the suspect, 58-year-old Timothy Silvils, near the scene, and recovered a small folding knife. He has been charged with assault, possession of a deadly weapon while committing a felony and carrying a concealed deadly weapon.
Karas did not confirm that the victim was stabbed in the shoulder, however, court records show that the man was injured in the back, an officer noting a bloodstain and a puncture hole in the man’s shirt.
The victim was transported to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries from the small laceration, said Karas.
In 2006 the victim represented Silvils in an arson case, according to court records. The arson charges were dropped by the state when Silvils pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment.