Music Industry Veteran Jerry Sharell in Critical Condition After Stabbing

The executive-turned-DJ, who has worked with The Carpenters and Joe Cocker, was held hostage in his new girlfriend’s home early Sunday.

Jerry Sharell, a music industry veteran who played a role in the careers of The Carpenters and Joe Cocker, among others, was held hostage and attacked Sunday night at the home of his girlfriend.

According to KABC, Sharell — who hosts a weekly show, Sundays With Sinatra, on Los Angeles radio station KJazz — was at the Woodland Hills residence of his new girlfriend when her ex-husband arrived with flowers and a machete around 8 a.m. He held the couple hostage for more than three hours before turning violent, stabbing both Sharell and himself.

“Sometime during that time, the new boyfriend had been stabbed repeatedly, and then the suspect turned the weapon on himself and stabbed himself,” LAPD Sgt. Jeff Nuttal told KABC.

The woman also was injured when she tried to stop the attack. She was able to escape and called authorities. Police said she had a restraining order against her ex-husband for a history of domestic violence.

Sharell, who suffered stab wounds to his neck and head, was rushed to the hospital, where he is said to be in critical but stable condition. He is in his 70s.

The suspect, who has not been identified, was arrested and taken to the hospital. He also is in critical but stable condition, having apparently slit his wrists.

Both men are expected to survive.

Sharell has served as president of CEO of nonprofit organization Society of Singers and has held position as WEA Corp., the MusiCares Foundation, Westwood One Inc., MCA Home Video and A&M Records. He also has worked with David Geffen as well as artists including The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, Carly Simon, Joni Mitchell, The Cars, Queen and Motley Crue, according to his bio.

Sharell also co-executive produced the Grammy-nominated 2004 Ronnie Milsap album Just for a Thrill.

Source: Hollywood Reporter