Jury Selection Begins For Samurai Sword Attacker

Karla Barba on Jan. 8 inside Queens Supreme Court. Pool photo by Ellis Kaplan

By Christina Carrega

A jury is expected to be selected this week in Queens Supreme Court for the trial of a former domestic violence victim accused of attacking her new lover with a samurai sword.

Karla Barba faces up to 25 years in prison for allegedly attacking her then-fiancee Franklin Lorrea inside their Jackson Heights home in June 2016. Prosecutors say Barba viciously slashed Lorrea during a heated argument.

Lorrea required surgery to repair the wound.

Barba, 39, was the victim of a high prolific incident of domestic violence at the hands of her former fiance Hiram Monserrate in December 2008. At the time, Monserrate was serving as a city councilmember. Barba, then known by the last name Giraldo, sustained 40 stitches to her face after Monserrate slashed her face with a glass cup.

Monserrate dodged a felony conviction but was hit with misdemeanor assault charges. Barba remained by Monserrate’s side throughout the criminal trial.

In her own case eight years later, Barba faces more than two decases in an upstate prison for allegedly assaulting Lorrea.

Jury selection is expected to wrap up by the end of day on Wednesday. Opening statements may commence on Thursday in front of Queens Supreme Court Justice Deborah Stevens Modica, court officials said.

Barba is represented by Stacey Richman.