Video obtained by The Current shows the violent altercation and stabbing incident that unfolded on South Beach Street, triggering a chaotic scene along The Strip on Tuesday and drawing a rapid response from emergency services and law enforcement.
The footage, which has since become central to the case, depicts the moments leading up to the confrontation between 39-year-old Kemar Downer and another man, who was later hospitalized after being stabbed. In the video, Downer is seen wearing a grey shirt, while the other individual—who authorities say was the victim of the stabbing—is wearing a reflective safety vest.
According to accounts presented in court, the altercation escalated quickly after Downer, who was working a delivery shift at the time, was allegedly attacked first. The video reportedly shows a physical confrontation breaking out before Downer pulls out a knife and stabs the man during the struggle.
Downer’s defense attorney strongly argued that the incident should be viewed through the lens of self-defense. Speaking in court, he stated, “Mr. Downer defended himself. This is straight self-defense,” emphasizing that his client was acting in response to an immediate physical threat rather than initiating violence.
On Wednesday, Downer was released from custody after posting $2,500 bail following his arraignment in Nantucket District Court. A plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf to the charges he is facing, which include two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury.
The victim sustained significant injuries in the stabbing and was transported off the island to a mainland hospital via Medflight helicopter for further treatment. Authorities have not publicly disclosed his current condition.
During court proceedings, Downer’s attorney, Rob Moriarty, presented his client as a working delivery employee with no prior criminal record, arguing that the circumstances of the confrontation support a claim of self-defense. Moriarty also stated in court that the altercation “had something to do with a girl,” suggesting that a personal dispute may have played a role in the escalation of tensions prior to the violence.
Downer, who is originally from Jamaica and is employed by Sayle’s Seafood on Washington Street, maintained through his legal counsel that he was simply completing delivery work when the confrontation occurred. His defense team emphasized that he did not seek out the conflict and instead reacted in the moment after being physically attacked.
The Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office, however, pushed for stricter release conditions. Prosecutors requested that the court set bail at $10,000, in addition to imposing GPS monitoring, a strict no-contact order with the alleged victim, and restrictions preventing Downer from entering the area near the victim’s residence. Prosecutors argued that these measures were necessary given the seriousness of the injuries and the use of a deadly weapon during the altercation.
