A BYU freshman from the Republic of Georgia plead guilty Thursday, July 1, to two counts of aggravated assault for stabbing another student.

Jumber Tsuladze drove to Bridal Veil Falls to meet with his roommate on April 13. Tsuladze and his roommate had a disagreement before they met that night, even though they were longtime friends. When they met at Bridal Veil Falls, a fight broke out. Tsuladze stabbed his roommate with a long knife. The roommate's intestines were protruding from the stab wound, but he recovered after being taken to the hospital.

"The argument was about family honor," said Hilma Bellessa, Tsuladze's guardian. "The culture is different [in Georgia]. For them honor is so huge."

Judge Claudia Laycock sentenced Tsuladze to 100 days in prison. After he has served his time he will be deported to the Republic of Georgia.

"Aside from what has happened, the tragedy is so much deeper," said Hilma Bellessa, Tsuladze's guardian. "Because the opportunity is lost ... the opportunity to come the U.S. to get an education."

Prosecutor Nyal Badily said justice and the victims had both been satisfied.

"I think it was a good resolution," said Badily. "The victims didn't wish any ill will. These were friends and had been friends back in Georgia,"

Tsuladze was originally charged with attempted murder, three counts of aggravated assault, and tampering with a witness. As part of a plea bargain, Tsuladze plead guilty to two counts of aggravated assault, and all other charges were dropped.

Tsuladze was accompanied by his cousin, Vazha Mamniashvili, to Bridal Veil Falls. Mamniashvili is in federal custody in Denver, Colo.

Tsuladze has been banned from BYU campus, said Carri Jenkins, BYU spokeswoman, meaning he cannot enroll in classes, come on campus and cannot be affiliated with the university.



Copyright Brigham Young University 1 Jul 2004