A Houston man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for cutting another inmate’s throat at the Harris County Jail in 2020, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced today.

“This man has repeatedly put others in danger both in the community and in the jail,” DA Ogg said. “No matter the location, violence like this is unacceptable, and it is our duty to seek justice for the victims.”

Christopher Oliver, 39, was convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon by a jury after a three-day trial and sentenced to 30 years in prison by a judge late Wednesday.

The incident, which was caught on video, shows several inmates talking in the dayroom on Sunday, Nov. 1, when Oliver approached from behind and slashed another inmate’s throat with a shank.

The inmate can be seen on video holding his throat and walking away from Oliver to avoid his continued attack.

The inmate was treated in the jail clinic before being transported to the hospital.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Levine, who is a chief in the DA’s Public Corruption Division, and Assistant District Attorney Hector Garza, also in the Public Corruption Division, prosecuted the case.

“This man is a dangerous individual based on not one, but multiple incidents,” Levine said. “I firmly believe that Harris County is a safer place with him behind bars.”

Oliver must serve half of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

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