News

Man in stabbing of 17-year-old bystander appears in court

SEATTLE — Quick Facts:

  • Suspect is Daniel Haggart, 25
  • Victim:  17-year-old Cara Neil
  • Neil stabbed while trying to break up fight

The parents of a 17-year-old girl stabbed to death in Redmond spoke to KIRO 7 moments after seeing their daughter's accused killer in King County court Wednesday morning.

Daniel Haggart is charged with first degree murder in the stabbing death of Cara Neil.

Vicky and Bill Neil wiped away tears as 25-year-old Haggart stood before a King County judge.  They spoke with us moments after his not guilty plea -- but it was painful.

"You know, you're dealing with the emotions around the death of our daughter and how she died and trying to process that, and then you have court and you're trying to process that emotion,” Bill Neil told KIRO 7.

Police say Haggart stabbed Cara Neil the chest when she tried to intervene during an argument between Haggart and his girlfriend outside a Redmond coffee house July 18.

Haggart's girlfriend told police he sent her threatening text messages just before the stabbing including one that read: “If u don't call me I'm going to stab the first person I see.”

Neil survived on life support for a week.  The night she was removed there was a memorial for her at the coffee house.

Wednesday the Neils struggled to talk about her -- but they wanted people to know at least this:  "We were able to successfuly -- and I credit the people at Harborview -- she was able to donate I think four of her major organs. That spirit lives on, I think,” Bill said.

Haggart remains in jail on a $1 million bond.  His next court appearance is at 1 p.m. Aug. 20, where a trial date will be set.

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