Charges upgraded to attempted murder

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) -  Mobile County District Attorney Ashley Rich said the charges against two stabbing suspects have been upgraded from first degree assault to attempted murder.

Sandra Jarman and Jessie Reid each face a slew of charges including two counts of attempted murder, attempting to elude police, and carrying a pistol without a permit.

Authorities said the two were harassing and threatening a street preacher outside a Semmes Wal-Mart, when two good Samaritans at a nearby New Horizon Credit Union ran out to help the man.

FOX10 caught up with Kenneth Cushman, who remains at USA Medical center with a collapsed lung and 3 knife wounds.

Cushman said he saw the pair beating on Gene Duffy, who is a regular street preacher in the area.

“I just didn't think it was right. I kind of felt sorry for him,” said Cushman from his Hospital bed at USA Medical center. “He's out there preaching the word of god and he's going to have somebody come up and take his life away for doing that?”

Without hesitation, Cushman said he and a second witness, Steven Stuart, ran to the preacher’s aide and fought with the suspects.

“I mean I would have done it for anybody. If I would have seen that in another case...you know I would have done it for anybody,” said Cushman.

He said Jarman stabbed him three times. Stuart was stabbed twice.

Jarman and Reid are expected in court Tuesday for a bond hearing. 

If you'd like to help Cushman with his medical expenses, a benefit account has been setup at New Horizon Credit Union. You can make a donation at any branch under Kenneth Cushman.