Felton stabbing investigation continues

A suspect in the double stabbing at Felton Covered Bridge Park pleaded not guilty in court this week, even as police continue their search for a second attacker.
Nineteen-year-old Michael Joseph Colonna of Ben Lomond appeared in court Thursday morning, Dec. 17, to face two counts of attempted murder, a robbery charge and allegations of weapons use and gang affiliation.
Police are still on the trail of a second man involved with the Dec. 6 stabbings that left two men severely wounded.
“We are actively looking for the second suspect, and the case remains under investigation,” said Sgt. Todd Liberty of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. “There are several promising leads we are working on.”
Colonna, who was arrested Dec. 7 on Ocean and Leonard streets in Santa Cruz, was identified by witnesses, according to the sheriff’s office.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 21. Prosecutor Rob Wade said investigators hope to have a second suspect in custody by the hearing date.
The stabbing happened, Wade said, after Colonna and an unidentified accomplice arranged to buy more than a pound of marijuana from two San Lorenzo Valley men.
All four met under the covered bridge at about 4:30 p.m. Dec. 6 to make the deal, but instead, the two San Lorenzo Valley men were robbed at gunpoint and stabbed several times, according to Wade.
No shots were fired, but Colonna reportedly pulled a knife and stabbed both men, ages 20 and 32, before fleeing the scene, Wade said. Witnesses said the men drove off in a late-model Honda.
The gun thought to have been used during the robbery was recovered at the bottom of the San Lorenzo River under the bridge on Dec. 10, four days after the stabbings.
After the knifings, the two wounded men stumbled into the park area, and witnesses called 9-1-1. Both were flown to trauma centers outside of the county after being picked up by helicopters near Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
The 20-year-old was treated and released for minor injuries soon after the attack, Liberty said. The 32-year-old was more severely injured and was placed in the intensive-care unit at Stanford Medical Center.
His status was unknown at press time Thursday, but he is expected to survive, Liberty said.
Liberty said both men are cooperating with investigators.
Lt. Jim Hart, commander of sheriff’s office investigations, said some marijuana has been recovered from the scene.
“But we’re not sure if it’s the same marijuana in question,” Hart said.
Hart said that armed attacks are rare for Felton and that the community shouldn’t be too alarmed.
“We routinely patrol the area. This was an isolated incident that could have happened anywhere in the county. It’s a drug deal involving specific people,” Hart said. “They just chose this spot to do the deal.”
Hart also said he didn’t think the district attorney would prosecute the victims for their involvement with the drug deal.
“It’s up to the D.A.’s office, though,” Hart said.
County Supervisor Mark Stone said he has heard little about community fear in light of the stabbings, and he hopes it’s an isolated case.
“I know there has been a lot of violence in Santa Cruz,” Stone said. “But making sure the valley is safe and comfortable for visitors has certainly been a priority.”
Stone said having the San Lorenzo Valley Sheriff Center nearby should help with the overall feeling of safety.
“Situations like this are generally fairly rare for Felton,” Stone said. “But people in the valley are cognizant to report what they see and keep a strong community.”