Area man sentenced to eight years for stabbing
By Nathan Straus News Reporter

Rex Williams

Chandler resident Rex Williams, 26, was handed a guilty verdict Monday, November 5. His crime was assault with a deadly weapon, committed August 5, 2005.

According to Williams, the assault was committed with self-defense in mind. It occurred behind the Smith County Courthouse in Tyler when Williams and a friend of his were losing a fight. Williams claimed he pulled a knife and struck in order to defend his friend.

The victim of the stab- bing, Scott Goodwin, needed 17 operations and spent six weeks in intensive care. He claimed he didn't remember the battle.

Goodwin received two wounds in his chest and one in his back, piercing muscle, bone, arteries, liver and a lung. His legs were cut as well.

Assistant District Attorney Joe Murphy claimed the only person who used deadly force during the fight was Williams.

Williams must serve at least four years of his sentence to be eligible for parole.