Houston Man Receives 30-Year Sentence for Jail Throat-Slashing

On February 10, 2024, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced that a Houston man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for a violent attack on another inmate at the Harris County Jail in 2020.

Christopher Oliver, 39, was found guilty of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon by a jury after a three-day trial. The judge handed down the sentence late Wednesday.

The incident, captured on video, occurred on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in the jail’s dayroom. Oliver approached another inmate from behind and slashed his throat with a shank. The victim was seen on video holding his throat and attempting to evade further harm from Oliver.

The injured inmate received treatment at the jail clinic before being transported to the hospital.

Assistant District Attorneys Michael Levine and Hector Garza, both from the DA’s Public Corruption Division, prosecuted the case.

“This man has repeatedly put others in danger both in the community and in the jail,” said DA Ogg. “No matter the location, violence like this is unacceptable, and it is our duty to seek justice for the victims.”

Levine added, “This man is a dangerous individual based on not one, but multiple incidents. I firmly believe that Harris County is a safer place with him behind bars.”

Oliver will have to serve at least half of his sentence before he becomes eligible for parole.