Investigation Into Spencer Stone Stabbing Faces Many Challenges

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – It's been more than a week since hometown hero Spencer Stone was stabbed three times while out with friends in midtown.

Detectives are hoping the release of composite sketches of the suspects will bring a much needed break in the case, but the investigation is proving to be an uphill battle.

"It's not as easy as it may appear, and certainly not as easy as if the event were to take place someplace where alcohol was not involved," said John McGinness, a former Sacramento County Sheriff.

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New images may not equal ease, but Sacramento police hope they will produce leads in a case that has captured national attention.

"We're hoping that it may jar someone's memory, that they can come forward with some sort of information that might be helpful in this case," said Sacramento Police Sgt. Bryce Heinlein.

The two men are described as Asian or Filipino and were wearing white shirts and blue jeans.

Surveillance pictures from police observation devices, or "PODs," are painting a clearer image of the men behind the brutal stabbing of the 23-year-old airman.

"There's still a lot of surveillance footage that is being reviewed," Sgt. Heinlein said.

The photos of a dark colored Toyota Camry were snapped at 20th and K streets less than an hour before Stone was attacked.

"Unfortunately, no license plates were obtained from these images or the video," Sgt. Heinlein said.

While these photos help add to the evidence in the case, former Sacramento County Sheriff John McGinness says arrests may be hard to come by for a while.

"It's not uncommon that all of the parties involved may be under the influence, impaired to the extent that they are not really very good at putting forth a description of what took place and who did what," McGinness said.

Another challenge could come with any potential criminal prosecution.

"There may be some question as to the ability to truly show the intent of the party who inflicted injuries. Therefore, it's not that simple," McGuinness said.

Stone was released from the hospital earlier this week and is now recovering at home.

If you have any information in the case, you're asked to call the Sacramento Police Department.