Xavier Guadarrama

MAYVILLE – A Jamestown man has been found guilty of trying to kill a librarian following a jury trial.

District Attorney Jason Schmidt announced that Xavier Guadarrama, 23, was found guilty Wednesday of second-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree assault, and two counts of second-degree attempted assault.

On Aug. 23, 2022 Guadarrama took a bus to Mayville, entered the village library and stayed there until closing time.

When a staff member told him and other people that they were closing the library, he stabbed her, and fled the scene.

Guadarrama was quickly located, taken into custody and identified shortly after the attack. During interviews, he said he tried to kill the librarian, which is why the charge went from assault to attempted murder.

Before the trial, Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey DiPalma, who prosecuted the case, said the attack was unprovoked. “He doesn’t know her, he’s just mad, he’s angry and he took it out on her,” he said.

During Guadarrama’s interview with police, he apparently made some comments about how he didn’t like the way she was looking at him.

While in the county jail, Guadarrama stabbed a chaplain with a pencil.

The charges from the incidents at the jail and the library were consolidated and both incidents were brought before the jury.

Before the trial, DiPalma said the defense pleaded guilty “by reason of mental defect, which is considered the insanity defense.”

A hearing took place last year where it was determined Guadarrama was competent to stand trial.

Jury selection for the trial began April 29. The jury reached its conclusion Wednesday afternoon after two hours of deliberations.

Schmidt gave thanks to all of those who were involved in the case.

“I wish to thank Jeffrey DiPalma, (Assistant District Attorney) Mike Pisko as well as (paralegal) Abby Zatorski who served as the trial team and all of those who contributed to this effort from behind the scenes,” he said. “Each and every trial is a collaboration between police and prosecutors as well as their respective support people who, together, fight the good fight on behalf of the county-community in which all of us live,” he said.

Schmidt also applauded the officers involved as well.

“The convictions obtained today could not have been achieved without the tireless efforts and professionalism of Captain Mike Ross of the Sheriff’s Office along with their investigators including, notably, Sgt. Luke Johnson,” he said. “In addition, one-half of the case arose from attempted assaults committed by Mr. Guadarrama while incarcerated in the county jail. Those assaults were prevented by the quick work of Sheriff corrections officers who put their personal safety on the line each and every day in a truly thankless and challenging work environment. The successful outcome here is the end result of their hard work and dedication as well.”

Guadarrama is facing up to 25 years in prison.