Illinois Man Faces Attempted Murder Charge After Peanut Butter and Jelly Dispute

A local man from DeKalb has been charged with attempted murder after police say he seriously injured another man with a butter knife during an argument over a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

DeKalb Man Faces Attempted Murder Charge After Peanut Butter and Jelly Dispute

Javaughn J. Owens, 23, was charged with first-degree attempted murder following the incident, which took place on Sunday afternoon in the 1000 block of South Seventh Street in DeKalb, according to court documents. The altercation was reported around 3:37 p.m., with the victim suffering multiple stab wounds.

If convicted, Owens could face a sentence ranging from 30 years to 60 years in prison. He was ordered to be held without bail during a court hearing on Monday at the DeKalb County Jail in Sycamore.

Owens’ History Of Violent Offenses

Judge Philip Montgomery presided over the hearing, highlighting Owens’ history of violent offenses. “The defendant is only 23 years old and has already pleaded guilty to two violent crimes, with three more pending,” Montgomery said. “All of these incidents occurred within an 18-month span. The injuries sustained by the victim were so severe that he had to be transferred to a Chicago hospital for further treatment.”

What Happened To The Victim?

According to Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital staff, the victim was initially brought in after the stabbing but was later sent to a Chicago hospital due to the seriousness of his injuries. Court records reveal that a witness told police the dispute began over a messy peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The witness attempted to intervene, but Owens allegedly swung a butter knife over her shoulder, striking the victim.

The victim said the argument started because "someone left peanut butter and jelly on the counter." As the confrontation escalated, Owens allegedly pulled out the butter knife, and the victim retaliated by throwing punches. He later told police that he didn’t realize he had been stabbed until he started feeling faint.

The victim sustained five stab wounds to various parts of his body, including his hip, back, armpit, and collarbone. According to doctors, the wounds punctured an intestine, and the victim expressed fear that Owens had intended to kill him.

Owen's Earlier Crimes

Judge Montgomery also noted that Owens was on probation for a previous crime at the time of the stabbing. Earlier this year, Owens had pleaded guilty to both an aggravated robbery and a burglary from January 2023, during which he broke into a pharmacy and stole prescription drugs. He had been sentenced to 180 days in jail, 30 months probation, and mandated mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Despite his attorney’s argument for release, claiming possible self-defense, Owens remains in custody. He is being represented by the DeKalb County Public Defender’s Office and is scheduled to appear in court again on October 21 for a status hearing.