California Man Sentenced After Elderly Hiker Stabbed for Making Eye Contact With Stranger on Trail
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA — A California man will spend nearly a decade behind bars after authorities say he stabbed an elderly stranger on a public walking trail simply because the two made eye contact.
Unprovoked Attack on Popular Walking Path
According to the Palm Springs Police Department, the stabbing occurred on Dec. 31, 2025, along the CV Link, a pathway used by pedestrians and low-speed electric vehicles near Cathedral Canyon Drive.
Police said the 53-year-old victim was out for a walk when he passed a man on the trail and briefly made eye contact with him. The two continued on their way without incident — or so it appeared.
Suspect Returned Wearing Ski Mask
Investigators said that about 15 minutes later, as the victim headed home, he noticed the same man still lingering in the area.
According to police, the suspect put on a ski mask, began yelling profanities, and then approached and assaulted the victim, knocking him to the ground. The victim fought back, and the attacker fled on foot.
Only after the struggle ended did the victim realize he had been stabbed, police said.
Victim Called 911 Hours Later
Authorities said the victim contacted 911 around 2:40 p.m., telling dispatchers the stabbing had occurred earlier in the day at approximately 11:30 a.m.
The victim was transported to a Coachella Valley hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and later released.
Investigation Leads to Arrest
Detectives used witness statements and a brief 1.5-second video clip believed to show the assailant to identify Jacob Ethan Masters, a Palm Springs resident, as the suspect.
On Jan. 11, officers located Masters in the 5600 block of East Ramon Road. When police attempted to detain him, Masters ran, prompting a brief foot chase before he was taken into custody.
He was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Masters later reached a plea agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, pleading guilty to cruelty to an elder adult resulting in great bodily harm, along with an enhancement for injuring a person over 70 years old.
In exchange for the plea, prosecutors dropped several other charges, including attempted murder and resisting a peace officer.
Judge Orders Eight-Year Prison Sentence
On Monday, Elizabeth Tucker sentenced Masters to eight years in state prison, calling the attack a serious and unprovoked act of violence.
Case Raises Safety Concerns
The case has renewed concerns about random acts of violence on public trails and walking paths, especially those frequently used by older residents.
Authorities encouraged residents to remain aware of their surroundings and report suspicious behavior immediately.
If you have thoughts on this case or concerns about safety on public walking trails, share your perspective and stay informed with continued national coverage at CabarrusWeekly.com.
