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Target Stabbing Suspect Sentenced To 10-20 Years

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Leon Walls was sentenced to 10 to 20 years for his role in an East Liberty Target stabbing in 2013.

Allegheny County Judge Donna Jo McDaniel recommended a long term mental health facility, but criticized the mental health aspects of Pennsylvania's criminal justice system, saying she doesn't believe there is an appropriate mental health facility that can house him long-term.

The judge was also critical of Target's naming Michael Turner as a defendant in a lawsuit claiming he helped cause the attack by bringing the encounter with Walls into the store from outside.

Judge McDaniel said Turner and others helped save the teenaged stabbing victim's life and are heroes in her eyes.

The judge said she thinks Target went after the "heroes" to make the victims back down from their own lawsuit against the store.

Walls tearfully told the judge his mental health problems have been difficult.

"It's been really rough," said Walls. "I try to stop it. I pray to God to take it away. It just gets worse."

The judge told Walls she believes he was at the time, and still is mentally ill.

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