A Garland man was sentenced to ninety-nine years in prison for stabbing and injuring a homeowner and his dog during a burglary.
Collin County DA Greg Willis said that 54-year-old Thong Pham entered the house of a man on March 26, 2021. The man and his wife were sleeping when their dog started barking in their living room, according to a CBS 11 News report,
Willis said the couple found Pham, a stranger, in their house. Pham stabbed the husband after the man confronted him. Pham also stabbed the dog multiple times when it attacked him, defending its owner.
According to Willis, the man and the dog suffered significant injuries, but they both survived.
The 54-year-old fled the scene and, an hour later, was found by the police in a creek behind the house.
According to CBS 11 News’ report, prosecutors introduced evidence of Pham’s previous criminal activities during the punishment phase. The 54-year-old has a criminal history that includes a prior home burglary and an aggravated sexual assault of a child.
Earlier this year, Pham had been convicted of Burglary of a Habitation, a first-degree felony, according to CBS 11 News.
Pham was found guilty and was sentenced to ninety-nine years in prison.
After the sentencing, Willis said families have the right to feel safe in their house. Willis was happy with the trial and appreciated the jury for delivering justice to Pharm.
“The jury’s verdict reflects our community’s disdain for those who invade our homes, and especially for those who prey on children,” Willis said after Pham’s sentencing.