Oakland Monk Suspected in Stabbing of Fellow Monk Charged With Attempted Murder

Authorities say a Buddhist monk has been arrested and charged with attempted murder following a recent stabbing of another monk inside a Bay Area monastery.

The Oakland Tribune reports that authorities say 30-year-old Sokphanna Phen admitted stabbing 66-year-old Mahamonirath Pinn multiple times in the face and head with two kitchen knives at an East Oakland monastery last Tuesday.

Pinn was being treated at an Oakland hospital.

Officer Bradley Miller says Phen told police he was angry with the head monk for his disciplinary tactics.

Police say Phen, who was arrested last Thursday at the East Bay home of relatives, has also been identified by the victim. He was charged Monday.

If convicted, he faces life in prison with the possibility of parole, authorities said. He is being held without bail. He was not available for comment Tuesday.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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