DANBURY — The Honorable Robin Pavia has sentenced Patrick Arthur Griffin, 60, of New Fairfield, to 20 years in prison in the homicide of a Sandy Hook man.

According to evidence introduced at trial, Griffin stabbed James Knapp, 65, in the chest during an assault at the defendant’s home in New Fairfield in May 2022.

Knapp, who was a Tech Ed educator at Pomperaug High School, was the father of Newtown Legislative Councilman Ryan Knapp. Along with his wife Gabriela, Knapp is also survived by five children, two siblings, Gabriela’s daughters, his in-laws, and a large family that was said to number more than 100 relations including aunts, uncles, and cousins spanning several generations.

According to Connecticut State Police reports, troopers were summoned along with New Fairfield officers to Griffin's home on the evening of Saturday, May 7, 2022, for a reported active assault.

Upon the arrival of the troopers, Knapp was reportedly found with a stab wound and transported to Danbury Hospital. He was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Griffin was also transported to Danbury Hospital. He was later taken into custody by detectives from the Western District Major Crime unit, taken to State Police Troop A barracks, and charged with first degree manslaughter.

He pled not guilty.

On May 2, 2023, a jury in Danbury Superior Court found Griffin guilty of first degree manslaughter.

On Wednesday of this week, Pavia sentenced Griffin to 20 years in prison, execution suspended after 16 years served, and five years of probation.

The maximum penalty for conviction of a Class B felony in Connecticut is 20 years in jail and a fine of $15,000.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Russell Zentner, with assistance from Paralegal Shanik Smith.

Griffin is also facing charges of criminal possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon, a Class C felony in this state. The weapon was reportedly found in his home while it was being searched following the Knapp homicide.

He was found guilty in 1999 of illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol/drugs and violation of probation following a September 21, 1996 incident.

Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.