Roxbury Woman Sentenced for Hotel Stabbing in Boston

News Summary

A 38-year-old Roxbury woman, Kourtney Godfrey, has been sentenced to 8 to 11 years in prison for a violent stabbing incident at a Boston hotel. The court revealed traumatic details of the attack, leaving multiple victims seriously injured, including a former police officer and an Air Force veteran. The intervention of a bystander highlighted heroism amid the chaos. The court emphasized the deep psychological trauma experienced by the victims, leading to a sentencing that resonates throughout the Boston community.

Roxbury Woman Gets Lengthy Sentence for Boston Hotel Stabbing

In a shocking case that rocked the local community, a 38-year-old woman from Roxbury has been sentenced to 8 to 11 years in state prison following a violent stabbing incident last December in Boston. The court proceedings revealed the harrowing details surrounding the attack, which left multiple victims seriously injured.

Details of the Attack

The incident took place on December 17, 2023, at the Doubletree Hotel in Dorchester, Boston, where chaos erupted in a cafe area around 4:20 PM. It all started when Kourtney Godfrey, the woman at the center of this tumultuous event, approached a woman and her two daughters who discovered her in distress, squatting and crying.

Without warning, Godfrey brandished a large hunting-style knife and launched a brutal attack. The first victim, a former police officer from Puerto Rico and an Air Force veteran, experienced severe injuries including a punctured lung and a detached lung from the chest wall. She also suffered a fractured rib, leaving her with both physical and emotional scars. The second victim faced a stabbing to the neck, sustaining a painful C5 facet fracture.

Heroism Amidst Violence

During this terrifying episode, a man intervened in a bid to protect the victims. His bravery came at a cost, as he sustained multiple lacerations on his left forearm and right hand. In the struggle, he even dislocated his shoulder while attempting to thwart Godfrey’s knife attack. This incident serves as a stark reminder of how ordinary individuals can put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.

Legal Consequences for Godfrey

After the incident, the police arrived quickly at the scene and arrested Godfrey at the hotel, just moments after the violence unfolded. In court, she pleaded guilty to various charges, including two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, two counts of regular assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, and one count of carrying a dangerous weapon.

On Wednesday, Judge Anthony Campo took the stand to deliver the sentence. He emphasized the impact of the attack on the lives of the victims, as many of them continue to suffer not only from physical injuries but also from significant psychological trauma stemming from the incident.

The Victims’ Ongoing Struggles

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden noted that the victims are still grappling with the long-term effects of the attack, making their ordeal all the more poignant. Each victim provided impact statements during the sentencing hearing, shedding light on the emotional and physical struggles they face in their daily lives. Their brave narratives helped the court grasp the real crush of violence that unfolded that day.

After the Sentencing

Now facing years behind bars, Godfrey will also be required to serve an additional three years of probation once she is released from prison. The sentencing has prompted a sense of relief to some in the community, as the victims’ safety and well-being resonate deeply across Boston.

This incident has become a talking point among locals, making many rethink their notions of safety in even the most mundane places. As Boston continues to heal from the shock of this violent event, the stories of heroism and resilience remind us all of the strength that can emerge from chaos.

As this chapter closes, the hope is for healing—both for the victims who are carrying their scars and for the community at large as it moves forward.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Chaos Unfolds in Boston as Police Respond to Two Incidents

Additional Resources

• NBC Boston
• Wikipedia: Stabbing
• MassLive
• Google Search: Boston hotel stabbing
• MassLive
• Google Scholar: Assault and Battery Law