Girl Who Survived Brutal Knife and Machete Stabbing Attends Attacker's Sentencing

March 25, 2011— -- The 12-year-old survivor of a knife and machete attack appeared in court today to watch as a judge sentenced her attacker and her mother's killer to two life sentences without chance of parole. Jaimie Cates and her mother were attacked in October 2009.

Christopher Gribble, 21, had admitted stabbing the New Hampshire girl and killing her mother in a crime that shocked and terrified local residents. A jury convicted Gribble of first degree murder after jurors rejected his insanity claim, concluding he was sane on the night of the brutal attack.

The jury also found Gribble guilty of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit burglary and witness tampering.

The husband and father of the victims, David Cates, spoke to the court today, thanking the prosecutors for their work. He addressed Gribble and called him a "worthless coward" for slaying a woman and attempting to kill her daughter, both of whom, he said, were helpless against his "gutless" attack.

"To the murderer in this courtroom, as I've said in the past, this verdict is not justice," Cates said. "But I can only hope that justice will find you soon."

Jaimie, who was 11 at the time of the attack, left the room during her father's statement. She rejoined afterward to hear Gribble's sentencing.

The judge, Gillian Abramson, told Gribble, "I believe the record will thoroughly support my belief that infinity is not enough jail time for you."

She sentenced Gribble to two life terms in prison for the first degree and attempted murder charges.

Clad in an orange prison jumpsuit, Gribble appeared to have no reaction as the judge sentenced him to a lifetime behind bars.

Abramson thanked Jaimie Cates for coming and allowing the court and jurors to see the survivor they had heard so much about.

"This man and the other men who were involved in this terrible crime can never hurt you again," the judge told Cates. "I wish you better days."