By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – George Weathers-Paul Borden will spend at least 15 years behind bars after an incident that happened at the Colonial Bar in Niles on Dec. 20, 2006.
Borden, 23, of Niles, was found guilty of assault with intent to murder after causing several stab wounds on William Ditz, 44, after a verbal argument turned physical.
Berrien County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kelly Travis said Tuesday morning that the argument started when Borden attempted to follow Ditz's girlfriend and one of her friends outside.
Travis said the two women left the bar to buy a pack of cigarettes when Borden reportedly followed them outside to the parking lot. Ditz reportedly told Borden to leave the women alone and after a few words were exchanged, Borden went to the Coral Bar, which is only a few blocks from the Colonial.
Travis continued, saying the two females and Ditz stayed at the Colonial, where Borden returned a short time later. Borden walked to the bar where Ditz was seated and cut him in the abdomen with a knife. Ditz was able to get back up and tried to stop Borden, who continued to slash the knife. Borden sliced Ditz once more in the stomach, once in the back of his shoulder, once in the back of the neck and once on his left arm. Travis said all of the wounds needed staples and Ditz required surgery on his stomach.
Travis stated that Ditz stands 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 170 pounds, while Borden is 6 feet 5 inches and weighs 300 pounds.
Borden stopped the attack after Ditz had collapsed to the ground.
According to Travis, Borden stated that he was not the original aggressor, as Ditz hit him first and he used the knife to defend himself.
Berrien County Trial Court Judge Scott Schofield ordered Borden to also pay at least $12,000 of Ditz's medical bills.