(By Angela Reinhardt, Pickens Progress) — The Ellijay man charged with stabbing another man at a restaurant in Jasper earlier this month is still at large, with authorities urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact 911.
The stabbing occurred during a game of cornhole Sunday, Nov. 7, at approximately 9:30 p.m., at a downtown Jasper restaurant. According to authorities, Lesley Darnell Mulkey, 40, stabbed Christian Forrest Valine, 30, of Talking Rock, twice in the abdomen then fled the scene. Mulkey struck another vehicle as he left.
Jasper’s Interim Fire Chief Matt Dawkins said Monday, Nov. 29, that Mulkey’s vehicle, a red Subaru Forester, had been found by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office at a relative’s house in Ellijay. Gilmer authorities were tipped off that the suspect was at that residence, but when they arrived, he was not there, only the vehicle.
Mulkey’s general whereabouts are unknown at this time. Dawkins has heard that Mulkey has left town, but has also heard that he could still be in the area. He noted that it is common in violent crimes such as this for the suspect to hide from authorities.
Mulkey has been charged with aggravated assault, with more charges anticipated for the hit-and-run incident. Call 911 if you have information about his whereabouts.
Valine has since been released from the hospital. He was originally transported to Piedmont Mountainside then later to Kennestone for surgery.