A Manheim Township teenager will serve at least a decade in prison for stabbing a girl – he was previously friends with – at a Manheim Township park.
The victim, now 16, said she’s not ready to forgive yet and still doesn’t know why she was attacked.
Cameron A. Andrews, 17, pleaded guilty to attempted murder Tuesday in Lancaster County Court in exchange for a 10-to-20-year prison sentence.
On Sept. 1, 2015, Andrews repeatedly stabbed the girl, then 15, at Manheim Township Community Park. Andrews stopped the attack and fled when he noticed that a jogger was in the area. The jogger called 911.
In court Tuesday, the victim’s mother thanked the jogger for saving her daughter’s life by calling 911, according to Assistant District Attorney Christine Wilson.
The victim asked Andrews how he could stab a girl and why he would do such a thing. She said she hasn’t yet forgiven Andrews, according to Wilson.
She also said the incident has made her a stronger person.
The girl was stabbed in the back and torso; multiple blade strikes narrowly missed vital organs. She underwent emergency surgery.
When Andrews saw the jogger, who was watching, he dropped the knife and fled, according to police.
Andrews said little in court, starting an apology before Lancaster County President Judge Dennis Reinaker prompted him to face the victim if he wanted to apologize.
A motive hasn’t been made public in the case. The two teens were friends.
Manheim Township police Detective Sarah Goss filed charges.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright