Media Release, Man receives 7 years for Franklin stabbing

 A 27-year-old Woonsocket, Rhode Island, man has been sentenced to 7 years in state prison after he admitted he stabbed and almost killed another man in a Franklin apartment in 2015, according to Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey.

Keinan McKenna burst into the West Central Street apartment of his former girlfriend shortly before 11 p.m. on January 11, 2015 and attacked an adult male who was there visiting the woman. McKenna stabbed the unarmed man 13 times, including 10 times in the back, before fleeing the area.

"Franklin Police responded to the scene and saw evidence of a violent and bloody struggle," District Attorney Morrissey said after the suspect entered guilty pleas on each of the three indictments against him: Armed Assault in a Dwelling; Assault with intent to Murder; Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (Causing Serious Bodily Injury) on Jan. 6, 2020.

"Franklin officers administered emergency first aid to stem the loss of blood that could have cost the victim his life. He was transported to Rhode Island Hospital and survived those injuries," Morrissey said. "Investigating officers quickly learned the identity of the suspect, the type of vehicle he was traveling in, and the probability that he was headed to the Woonsocket. They contacted Woonsocket PD, who intercepted the defendant, pulled him over, and took him into custody."

Assistant District Attorney David Omiunu presented evidence gathered by the Franklin Police to a Norfolk County Grand Jury, who issued the indictments in 2015. "Franklin Police did a very professional and thorough job gathering the physical and testimonial evidence in this case," Morrissey said.

"The defendant will serve seven years in state prison, followed by 4 years of probation supervision," Morrissey said. "During probation he must stay away from and have no contact with the victim, abide by any restraining order, abstain from drugs and alcohol, submit to random chemical use screening, and submit to a substance abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment."

Franklin Police Chief Thomas Lynch added “I’m proud of the work the initial responding officers did to not only save a life, but also recognize the fluid and dynamic situation as it unfolded.” Lynch continued, “this incident only began on that night, countless hours of work by Franklin Police Detectives, investigators from the District Attorney’s office, and Assistant District Attorney Omiunu brought this case to a successful conclusion.” Chief Lynch praised all involved, and added “this job is a team effort, everyone plays a part, and in working together we can successfully bring these perpetrators to justice.”