A Pennsylvania man is accused of attacking his neighbor with a meat cleaver, leaving the victim with a 4-inch gash to his neck after showing up uninvited at his property, authorities said.
Background
Rup Koirala, 36, allegedly traveled to his neighbor's home on the 1400 block of Maple Drive in Whitehall, Pennsylvania—a borough located just south of Pittsburgh—on Aug. 2 at approximately 8:30 p.m., according to a criminal complaint obtained by Law&Crime. The victim was sitting in his backyard with two other men when Koirala reportedly showed up uninvited and unwelcome.
Court records indicate that Koirala had prior interactions with the victim that apparently escalated over time. Rather than avoiding further contact, prosecutors allege Koirala approached the residence armed with a meat cleaver featuring a 7-inch blade.
The Charges
According to charging documents, Koirala faces one count of attempted criminal homicide, one count of aggravated assault, one count of criminal trespass, and one count of possessing an instrument of crime. He was denied bail following his initial court appearance and is being held at the Allegheny County Jail.
Whitehall police responded to reports of the attack and discovered the victim holding a napkin to the back of his neck where he had sustained the significant wound. The meat cleaver was recovered on the ground near the scene, authorities said. Emergency medical personnel transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment; his current condition has not been publicly disclosed.
Officers located Koirala approximately one block from the scene and took him into custody. During police questioning, Koirala allegedly made statements indicating he believed he had been subjected to bullying by his neighbor and expressed frustration about the situation, according to sources familiar with the investigation.
Key Takeaways
- Rup Koirala, 36, has been charged with attempted criminal homicide and aggravated assault following an alleged attack in Whitehall, Pa.
- Police say Koirala struck his neighbor in the back of the neck with a meat cleaver, leaving a 4-inch gash
- The victim was sitting in his backyard with two other men when Koirala allegedly arrived uninvited and attacked him
- Officers arrested Koirala about a block from the scene; he allegedly told police he was 'tired of being bullied'
- He remains held at Allegheny County Jail without bail and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 18
What's Next
Koirala has appeared in court twice since his arrest, according to court records. His next scheduled court date is set for Aug. 18, when he will face a preliminary hearing to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed with the charges against him. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the circumstances leading up to the attack.
The case is being prosecuted by the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office.