Fatal Stabbing at Birthday Party

September 27, 2008 - 9:19 PM

John William Coffey, charged with murder

A double stabbing at a birthday party leaves a man dead in Bradley County tonight.

According to a spokesperson for the Sheriff's Department, a group of people were celebrating a birthday at a camp-out on a farm near Charleston early Saturday morning when two of the party-goers got into a fight.

Jesse Schoate, 24, of Kinser Lane, wound up stabbed to death.

Deputies say a second person tried to break up the fight and was stabbed as well. His/her name has not been released.

Police have arrested 38-year-old John Coffey of Rymer Road and charged him with first degree murder.

Detectives have not said why the men were arguing.