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2 teens to spend years in prison for stabbing homeowner

Adam and Jessica Bell

Two young men were sentenced today for a blotched home invasion in 2014 when they stabbed the homeowner in Karns City.

Jeremiah McGrady, 19, pleaded guilty to robbery and attempted murder and will spend 12 to 25 years in prison.

Younger brother, Zechariah McGrady, 18, pleaded guilty to participating in the robbery, and will spend 7 to 20 years in prison.

On the advice of their respective attorney's, neither brother spoke in court.

However, Jessica Bell spoke passionately.

She helped save the life of her husband Adam who likely would have been dead without her nursing experience.

Jessica Bell said, “These men came into our home knowing full well we were there that night. They held a gun to my husband's face and repeatedly stabbed him with an 8-inch knife in our backyard attempting to kill him,” she said.

According to court records, the McGradys from Fairview Township donned masks and dark clothing and broke into the Bells' house on Olive Street in Karns City.

They were confronted by Adam Bell, and Bell was stabbed numerous times in his organs and lungs. In one case, the knife went through his skull and 4 1/2 inches to his brain.

His wife continued, “They had been robbing our community for months before this break in. They went out prowling armed with the intent to kill whoever got in their way.

“The community as well as our family needs to see justice served for these crimes. Men like the McGrady brothers need to be off the streets.

“Our life will never be the same,” said Jessica Bell, who was accompanied by a dozen friends and family in court.

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