Sioux City, Iowa – A disturbing stabbing incident in Sioux City has led to a 10-year prison sentence for a man who attacked his own cousin during what began as a day of drinking, according to authorities. The victim, despite life-threatening injuries, managed to walk nearly 20 minutes with a butcher knife blade still lodged in his skull before first responders found him.
Incident Overview
Court records state that 24-year-old Tariq Thomas pleaded guilty to willful injury causing serious injury after stabbing his cousin, Saville Thomas, during an argument inside a basement on South Lyons Street. Investigators say the men had been drinking together on October 11 when tensions escalated.
Around 6:10 p.m., the dispute turned violent. According to the documents, Tariq grabbed a large butcher knife and stabbed Saville in the left collarbone, then drove the same knife into the victim’s head with so much force that the handle snapped off.
Victim Walks for Help as Knife Remains in His Skull
After the attack, Saville left the home and began walking through the neighborhood while bleeding heavily. Police say he was eventually found on another road — roughly a 20-minute walk from the residence — still conscious but severely injured.
The blade was still embedded in his skull, and he also had a deep wound to his collarbone. First responders immediately transported him to a local hospital. He was later transferred to another medical facility where surgeons performed a six-hour operation to safely remove the knife fragment. Saville survived the attack and was eventually released from the hospital.
Details From Law Enforcement
Authorities noted that 34-year-old Mariah Thomas was inside the home at the time of the stabbing. She allegedly witnessed blood in the basement and attempted to clean the scene. Investigators also wrote that she tried to wash the driveway, where a clear blood trail stretched from the house to the street. Her actions raised concerns about attempted evidence destruction.
Both Tariq and Mariah were arrested at their residence on October 20.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Tariq Thomas received a 10-year prison sentence after admitting guilt in the violent assault.
Mariah Thomas was charged with obstruction of justice. She pleaded not guilty on October 30 and is scheduled to appear in court on December 18, according to police.
Key Facts From the Case
- Suspect: Tariq Thomas, 24
- Victim: Saville Thomas, 24
- Location: South Lyons Street, Sioux City, Iowa
- Date of Attack: October 11
- Main Injuries: Knife lodged in skull; collarbone wound
- Medical Treatment: Six-hour surgery to remove the blade
- Additional Arrest: Mariah Thomas, charged with obstruction
Added Context on Similar Assault Cases
Cases involving extreme force during domestic or family disputes often lead to long-term trauma and serious criminal penalties. Law enforcement agencies frequently highlight the unpredictable nature of alcohol-related altercations, noting that family members are sometimes the victims in these high-risk incidents. This case underscores the dangers of impaired judgment combined with access to weapons inside the home.
Community Response and Safety Awareness
Sioux City residents expressed shock over the severity of the attack, especially given that the victim was able to walk a significant distance with a knife lodged in his head. Police continue to encourage community members to report domestic conflicts early, particularly when alcohol consumption is involved and tensions escalate.
Conclusion
The case marks one of Sioux City’s most violent family-related assaults this year. With Tariq Thomas now sentenced and the victim recovering, attention shifts to the pending court proceedings for Mariah Thomas, accused of cleaning the scene in an effort to hide evidence.
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