Barnstable man sentenced to 10-12 years for stabbing ex-girlfriend 20 times

Zane Razzaq, Cape Cod Times
·2 min read

A Barnstable man has been sentenced to at least a decade in state prison for stabbing his ex-girlfriend 20 times on Aug. 28, 2021, according to Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert J. Galibois.

Michael Harrington, 35, received a prison sentence of 10 to 12 years from Barnstable Superior Court Judge Gregg J. Pasquale on Wednesday, immediately after Harrington's guilty plea to charges of armed assault to murder, aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in violation of an abuse prevention order and assault and battery on a family or household member.

Harrington's ex-girlfriend survived the attack.

Michael Harrington, right, is escorted into the main session courtroom at Barnstable District Court Aug. 20, 2021, for his arraignment on charges in the stabbing attack on a woman outside her Barnstable home two days earlier. He was sentenced to 10-12 years on Wednesday after pleading guilty to charges related to the attack.
Michael Harrington, right, is escorted into the main session courtroom at Barnstable District Court Aug. 20, 2021, for his arraignment on charges in the stabbing attack on a woman outside her Barnstable home two days earlier. He was sentenced to 10-12 years on Wednesday after pleading guilty to charges related to the attack.

"We had asked for a higher sentence and while we're disappointed a higher sentence wasn't given, we respect the court's decision," Assistant Cape and Islands District Attorney Russell Eonas said, adding that prosecutors recommended a sentence of 12 to 15 years.

At about 1:30 a.m. on the day of the incident, Barnstable police Officer Nelson Souve was dispatched to a Barberry Lane home in Marstons Mills for a well-being check, according to the police report on the incident.

The person who called the police had been on the phone with Harrinton's ex-girlfriend, before calling 911. During the call with the victim, it sounded like she was being attacked before the phone disconnected, according to the report.

Barnstable police called to scene for wellness check, found woman suffering from stab wounds

At the house, Souve heard a woman screaming for help. She was lying on the lawn by the front steps, covered in blood, according to the police report. Souve requested additional units and Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills Fire and Rescue.

The woman said, “He stabbed me,” according to the police report. When asked who, she said, “Mike Harrington,” according to the report.

She was treated for numerous stab wounds, including on her abdomen and chest. She also had a cut across her jawline stretching down to her chin, a large wound on her left arm and a cut on her right thigh, according to the police report.

A prosperous future?: Spreading the gospel of financial literacy and generational wealth to Cape Cod teenagers

She was flown by medical helicopter to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston for treatment.

Police searched Harrington’s residence at Viola Lane after finding the victim but he was not there, according to the police report. He was taken into custody later that day at Dowses Beach in Osterville at about 9:30 p.m.

The case was investigated by Barnstable police and the victim witness advocate was Deb McCoy.

Zane Razzaq writes about housing and real estate. Reach her at zrazzaq@capecodonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @zanerazz.

Get the Cape Cod news that matters delivered to your inbox.  Sign up for our free newsletters.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Barnstable man gets 10- to 12-year sentence for stabbing ex-girlfriend