Opening statements underway in 2021 Saratoga Springs stabbing trial

Opening statements were heard Thursday in the trial against a man accused of stabbing another man outside a bar in Saratoga Springs last summer.

It happened near Clancy’s Tavern back in August.

Chalmers Davis is being charged with felony assault.

Assistant District Attorney Joseph Frandino says Davis was the aggressor in the fight. He says Davis stabbed one man and attempted to stab the victim’s friends. Frandino argued that the victim did not instigate the fight.

Surveillance video shows Davis allegedly punch another man as he walked up to him on the sidewalk. Davis later kicks the victim in the face and at one point can be seen on top of the victim. That’s when he allegedly slashes the victim’s arm with a knife. The victim starts to bleed.

Defense Attorney Taalib Horton argues that the video does not tell the whole story. He argues that his client was defending himself and was in fear of his own life. He says his client has maintained from the beginning it was self-defense.

Hear from both attorneys, along with a witness who describes how he tried to help the victim by watching the video of Jonathan Hunter’s story.