OAKLAND (KRON) — A Buddhist monk was charged with attempted murder after he tried to stab a fellow monk to death at their Oakland temple, prosecutors said.
Phen Sokphanna, 30, was arrested Thursday afternoon at his home in Castro Valley. He was charged Monday with attempted murder and aggravated mayhem, according to court documents.
Sokphanna grabbed two knives and stabbed 66-year-old Mahamonirath Pinn multiple times in the head and face, according to police.
Police arrived at the temple around 6:19 p.m. and discovered Pinn suffering from several stab wounds.
Pinn was transported to a local hospital where he is in critical but stable condition.
Sakophanna fled before police arrived.
A man at the Branch of International Community of Khmer Buddhist Monks Center at 624 Douglas Ave. confirmed last week that the two men were monks there.
Pinn positively identified Sokphanna after police showed him a photo.
A witness also identified Sokphanna as the suspect.
After police arrested Sokphanna, he admitted to the attack.
He remains in Santa Rita Jail without bail and was scheduled to appear in court for arraignment this morning.