Local man sentenced for stabbing attack

The incident took place in 2023 at Valley Manor apartments.

A Monessen man was sentenced Friday to state prison for stabbing a man at an apartment complex where they lived in 2023.

The victim of the attack declined to testify during the sentencing hearing for Robert W. Varner, 62, but the fact that he didn’t waive a mandatory two- to four-year sentence was important to Judge Christopher Feliciani.

“That speaks volumes with regards to what his position is,” Feliciani said. ”I have to take that into consideration.”

Varner was sentenced to two to four years in a state prison followed by five years of probation in connection with the June 28, 2023 attack.

A witness told police that she and her brother asked Varner to be quiet a few times at Valley Manor apartments. They argued and Varner stabbed the man five times in the back and chest, according to court papers.

Varner entered a general plea in December to aggravated assault, possession of an instrument of crime and reckless endangerment. Other charges, including attempted homicide, were dismissed.

Though he didn’t want to make a statement in court, the victim told Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Echard he continues to have medical issues in addition to dealing with the stress and trauma, she told Feliciani.

Varner turned to apologize to the victim during the hearing. He blamed the stabbing on his alcohol use.

“The day of the incident I had been drinking,” he said. “I take full responsibility of my actions even though I was drinking.”

Feliciani gave Varner credit for time served in the Westmoreland County Prison since his arrest in July 2023.

“Alcohol’s never an excuse, but at least it might help to explain the behavior,” Feliciani said.