A 64-year-old Fremont man who allegedly attacked a co-worker at a Palo Alto Chinese restaurant with a meat cleaver must stand trial on three felony charges, a judge ruled Monday
Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Douglas Southard ruled there is enough evidence to try Chun Ren Chen, a former busboy at Jade Palace on California Avenue, on charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated mayhem. He faces 10 years to life in prison if convicted, according to the district attorney’s office.
Chen is accused of stabbing the cook several times in the back with the cleaver on May 27, 2009. The apparent victim and Palo Alto police Detective Anjanette Holler testified at a brief preliminary hearing Monday morning, said Deputy District Attorney Jim Demertzis.
At the request of the district attorney’s office, The Daily News is withholding the name of the victim, who fears for his safety after testifying.
According to police reports, Chen and the cook had been feuding for weeks and blamed each other for starting the fight, which culminated in the cleaver attack. Chen has alleged his co-worker was trying to grab a weapon of his own.
Chen was arrested at his Fremont home the morning after the alleged attack.
He is scheduled to return to court Oct. 4 to be arraigned on the charges.
By Jesse Dungan. Find the article.