21-year sentence for man convicted in brutal stabbing attack on former girlfriend

August 2, 2023 Rob Abruzzese

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.
Brooklyn Eagle photo Rob Abruzzese

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District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced on Tuesday that Muneshwar Bira, 37, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for a brutal attack on his ex-girlfriend, which occurred in her Flatbush home. The woman, a mother of two, suffered severe cuts to her forehead and forearm as a result of the attack.

“Today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for his actions, which terrorized a former girlfriend and her 15-year-old son and nearly took her life,” said District Attorney Gonzalez. “His blatant disregard for the rule of law was further demonstrated when he absconded during his trial. I am committed to seeking justice for all victims of domestic violence.”

Bira was found guilty of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon on July 10, following a bench trial before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Phyllis Chu. In addition to his 21-year prison sentence, he is subject to five years of post-release supervision.

According to the evidence presented at the trial, Bira broke into his ex-girlfriend’s basement apartment on East 21st Street in Flatbush, on the morning of June 4, 2021, armed with a knife. Upon encountering his ex-girlfriend, he attempted to stab her around her head. The woman raised her arm to protect herself, resulting in lacerations to her forearm and forehead.

Even as the woman fell to the floor and one knife broke, the defendant continued his violent assault, utilizing two additional knives. Despite her severe injuries, she managed to call out to her 15-year-old son for help.

The teenager dialed 911 and police arrived at the scene of horrifying violence, with the defendant, the victim and the apartment all covered in blood. The victim was transported to Kings County Hospital, where she was treated for life-threatening injuries, including a severe wound to her right arm.

Adding to the case’s drama, Bira failed to return to court following an afternoon break on April 5, 2023, during his trial. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest on April 10, 2023. He was subsequently located in Florida, and had to be extradited back to New York to face justice.