A Caldwell man will serve at least five years behind bars for attacking his brother-in-law, slicing him across the neck with a box cutter.
Canyon County Prosecutor Bryan Taylor said Bruce Costa, 26, was sentenced by Judge George Southworth Tuesday.
Charged with felony aggravated battery, Costa was sentenced to five years fixed, followed by seven years indeterminate, for a total unified sentence of twelve years in prison. Judge Southworth also ordered Costa to pay $800 in fines and court costs and have no contact with the victim for the duration of the sentence.
Costa was arrested by the Caldwell Police Department in November, 2015, after he attacked his brother-in-law with a box cutter during an argument at a Caldwell home. According to reports, the victim told police the two were arguing over the use of the victim’s vehicle when Costa used the box cutter and cut him across the throat.
Canyon County spokesman Joe Decker said the victim needed twenty staples to close the roughly 6- to 10-inch wound across his neck. Costa later admitted to cutting the victim across the neck, telling police he “did what he thought he had to do.” Costa also admitted to being drunk at the time of the incident, Decker said.
During sentencing, Judge Southworth stated, “This is a crime where punishment and retribution comes into effect. You cannot nearly kill somebody, whether it’s done in anger or not, with a box cutter across the neck, and not expect substantial punishment.”
“There is no doubt in my mind that Mr. Costa belongs behind bars for what he did,” said Taylor. “He’s a danger to society and belongs off the streets.”
