Charles Smith pleads guilty to stabbing man nearly 15 times during fight at party

BAY VIEW (WITI) -- 33-year-old Charles Smith has pleaded guilty to one count of first degree intentional homicide in the stabbing death of Javier Bautista.

Charles Smith

Smith was arrested at his home on August 18th, 2013 -- just hours after the stabbing incident.

A criminal complaint in the case says Bautista’s body was discovered in the 1500 block of E. Oklahoma Avenue.

The criminal complaint says a party was being held in the area, during which Bautista and Smith got into an altercation. Witnesses said Smith was armed with a large knife, and repeatedly stabbed Bautista during the fight.

The complaint says the stabbing occurred on the front lawn, after which Smith said “He started it,” before placing something in the trunk of his car and fleeing the scene.

A Medical Examiner determined Bautista died as a result of 11 – 14 stab wounds to his body.

A sentencing hearing for Smith is set for June 13th.