“Man Sentenced to Prison for Knife Attack on Victim”

A man in Pocatello has been sentenced to at least 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to two felonies for a knife attack that occurred in December. Ryder Slade Menta, 30, reached a plea agreement with the Bannock County Prosecutor, pleading guilty to aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and an attached deadly weapon enhancement. District Judge Javier Gabiola sentenced Menta to a prison term of 12 to 24 years, stating that a lesser sentence would diminish the seriousness of his actions.

Menta was arrested after the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office received reports of a knife attack in Lava Hot Springs. The victim underwent emergency surgery at Portneuf Medical Center. Menta’s defense attorney, Ashley LaVallee, argued that Menta took the victim to the hospital, potentially saving his life. LaVallee quoted a pre-sentence investigation in which Menta expressed remorse for his actions.

Prosecuting Attorney Erin Tognetti presented photographic evidence of the victim’s injuries, including scars from at least five knife wounds on his face and numerous stab and cut wounds on his side, midsection, and legs. Tognetti also mentioned Menta’s high level of service inventory (LSI) score, which indicated a high risk of re-offending and supported the need for a maximum sentence.

Despite Menta’s acknowledgment of his actions and his recent self-discovery of ADHD and depression diagnoses, Gabiola emphasized the severity of Menta’s attack and his history of violent crimes. In addition to the prison sentence, Gabiola ordered Menta to pay restitution towards the victim’s medical bills and imposed a no-contact order for 25 years.

The case highlights the importance of accountability and the consequences of violent actions. It also raises questions about rehabilitation and the potential impact of undiagnosed mental health conditions on individuals’ behavior..