Bangor Woman Accused of Knife Attack Claims Self-Defense

Lawyer says client acted to protect her home from squatters after serving jail time

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:07pm

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Sammantha Johnson, a 36-year-old Bangor woman, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon after allegedly stabbing a woman who had been squatting in Johnson's home. Johnson's lawyer claims she acted in self-defense after the woman and two others barged into Johnson's home, where she had been trying to remove the squatters.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges homeowners can face when dealing with squatters, and the potential for violence to erupt when property disputes escalate. It also raises questions about how the justice system should handle cases where a homeowner claims self-defense against intruders.

The details

According to the police report, Johnson had previously told the woman, who was homeless and had been living in Johnson's home for about a month and a half, to gather her belongings and leave. On January 24th, the woman and two others allegedly barged into Johnson's home, where Johnson claims they had a gun on the table. Johnson, who usually carries a pocket knife, allegedly stabbed the woman in the left ear, cheek, and right forearm. Johnson then left the home immediately after the incident.

  • On January 24th, the alleged stabbing incident occurred at Johnson's home.
  • Johnson had been released from jail on January 12th, after serving a six-month sentence, just days after her husband passed away on January 3rd.

The players

Sammantha Johnson

A 36-year-old Bangor woman who was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon after allegedly stabbing a woman who had been squatting in Johnson's home.

Deven Soondar

Johnson's attorney, who claims she acted in self-defense against the woman and two others who barged into her home, where Johnson had been trying to remove squatters.

Alice Clifford

The Penobscot County Assistant District Attorney who presented the charges against Johnson.

Harris Mattson

The judge presiding over the case, who described it as a "quite a bizarre case" and said the involvement of multiple people gives some credence to Johnson's self-defense claim.

The woman who was allegedly stabbed

A homeless woman who had been living in Johnson's home for about a month and a half, and who was allegedly stabbed by Johnson in the left ear, cheek, and right forearm.

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What they’re saying

“What was I supposed to do?”

— Sammantha Johnson

“Quite a bizarre case, I have to say.”

— Judge Harris Mattson

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Johnson to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal and personal challenges that can arise when homeowners try to remove squatters from their property, and the potential for violence when property disputes escalate. It underscores the need for clear laws and procedures to address such situations and protect the rights of both homeowners and those facing homelessness.