New Port Richey Man Accused of Attempted Murder

A New Port Richey resident was arrested and charged with attempted murder June 2 after he was accused of stabbing a transient man several times.

Arrested was Cory R. Craig, of 5320 Cedar Ln., New Port Richey police officers say.

Craig was riding in the front passenger seat of an Oldsmobile driven by Karen Kodritsch, 36, of 6141 Chesham Dr.  Apt. 5, in the New Port Richey area, around 2:30 p.m.

Pagnozzi, a 28-year-old transient, was riding in the back seat of the car.

All three were “engaging in illegal narcotics activity,” according to the police.

Craig and Pagnozzi got into an argument, police say. Craig pulled a knife and attacked Pagnozzi. Kodritsch pulled over to the middle of the road at Jasmine Lane & Bamboo Lane.

Craig stabbed Pagnozzi several times in the area of the upper body and hands as
Pagnozzi tried to fend off the attack.

Craig, 30, got out of the car and tried to continue his attack from outside the car, police say.

Pagnozzi escaped the backseat and ran to a nearby residence. Craig followed, “deposited” the knife nearby and awaited police near the car.

Pagnozzi was taken to Community Hospital and then flown to Bayfront Medical Center for treatment as a Trauma Alert. He is now in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries.

Craig has been booked into the Land O’ Lakes Jail, police say. Kodritsch has been arrested and charged with one count  of possession of cocaine and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. She was also booked into the jail.