Update, Jan. 13, 2015: Berkeleyside followed this case through to Lamb’s sentencing. Our update on the details of the case, including witness testimony about the double stabbing and the arson that killed a Chihuahua puppy named Midnight, can be found here.
Original story, Jan. 30, 2013: The man arrested Tuesday by Berkeley police at the scene of a double stabbing and arson on Harmon Street in South Berkeley is 50-year-old Victor Lamb. Lamb, who had an outstanding warrant for his arrest unrelated to yesterday’s event, is being charged on a total of seven counts: two counts of attempted murder, domestic violence, violation of a court order and resisting a police officer, according to the Berkeley Police Department. He is also being charged with animal cruelty as he left a dog in the house at 1409 Harmon St. after setting it on fire, and the dog perished.
The victims of the stabbings were a 70-year-old female and a 20-year-old male, according to BPD. They were both treated at local hospitals and the male victim has been released. The female victim is still currently being treated for her injuries.
Berkeley police responded Tuesday Jan. 29 to a report at 4:02 p.m. of a stabbing at 1409 Harmon St., just west of Sacramento St. Lamb barricaded himself into the house, and, while negotiating with the police, threatened to burn the house down. Flames were then seen coming from the house.
Police saw the suspect attempting to flee the house from the back, but he was apprehended without incident at 4:44 p.m. The Berkeley Fire Department responded to the fire, which was quickly controlled, causing about $50,000 worth of damage.
The crime continues to be under investigation.
Related:
Man sentenced to 15 years in Berkeley double stabbing, arson that killed puppy (01.13.15)
Suspect stabs two, sets house on fire on Harmon St. (01.30.13)
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