Youth Released on Bail in Stabbing Case

A Cambridge high school student was released on $2000 bail Monday morning on charges related to a stabbing last weekend in the Harvard Square "pit."

Jesse Kline, 17, was arraigned Monday at Cambridge District Court on charges of armed assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

The Boston Globe reported Tuesday that District Court Judge Arthur Sherman had originally set bail at $50,000 cash or $500,000 cash surety. Superior Court Judge Patrick King reduced the amount to $2000 cash or $20,000 surety after Kline's attorney, Bernard Grossberg, asked the court to reduce bail.

According to police, Kline allegedly stabbed 22-year-old Boston University law student Norville McAndrew late Saturday night after a fight in front of the Harvard Square T station. The two men reportedly began fighting after they entered an argument between another man and a woman in the Square.

McAndrew is presently in stable condition at Beth Israel Hospital. The Allston resident underwent emergency surgery Sunday morning and was taken off intensive care Tuesday.

"He's doing very well. He's fully conscious and in stable condition," said McAndrew's roommate, Sani A. Williams.

The Globe reported that Kline, a Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School student, is ranked among the top 10 high school swimmers in New England.

Edward F. Mulkerin '96, who swam with Kline for several years, said he was surprised to hear of the stabbing incident. "He always seemed like a perfectly normal, nice, non-violent kid," Mulkerin said.

Kline is scheduled for a cort appearance on October 28.