The suspect tied to a near-fatal stabbing after a summer party in Asbury Park risks up to 20 years in prison if convicted of attempted murder.

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Anthony Butts, 22, of Neptune Township, was indicted for the first-degree count by a Monmouth County grand jury in Freehold, along with third- and fourth-degree weapons possession counts, according to the office of acting County Prosecutor Chris Gramiccioni. An arraignment is to take place within 45 days.

If convicted of the most serious charge, Butts would be required to serve at least 85 percent of the term before parole consideration under New Jersey's No Early Release Act. (NERA).

The third-degree weapons charge carries a possible sentence of up to five years on conviction. If also found guilty of the fourth-degree count, Butts would risk another 18 months behind bars.

According to information filed in regard to the case, an Asbury Park police officer on patrol at 1:09 AM on July 31 heard screams emanating from a parking lot on Springwood Avenue. A crowd surrounded the 25-year-old victim, who was prone and bleeding.

Investigators determined that the victim, several friends, and Butts had all attended a party in the victim's sister's house, and that Butts and the victim left together.

Butts is believed to have plunged the knife into the victim several times inside a car parked near the dwelling, then fled as the victim stumbled from the car seeking help.

Asbury Park police arrested Butts later the same day. He has been in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution in Freehold since then, in lieu of $500,000 bail.

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