Judge issues warrant for suspect in Northwood, Iowa, stabbing
Published 10:22 am Thursday, October 31, 2013
NORTHWOOD — A Worth County District Court judge issued a warrant Monday for a 26-year-old man accused of stabbing two people at the Schoolside Apartments in June.
Donald Monte Baker of Northwood reportedly failed to appear for a hearing where he was expected to plead guilty to an amended charge in the case. District Court Judge Colleen Weiland issued a $5,000 cash-only bond.
Baker faces a charge of assault in the alleged June 5 stabbing of Bennie Montgomery, 28, and Valerie Merrideth, 26, both of Northwood, after an altercation at the apartments at 607 Seventh St. N.
Baker allegedly used a kitchen knife in the attack, according to reports.
Worth County Attorney Jeffrey Greve said this was the third plea change court date where Baker has stated that something came up at the last minute and he would be unable to attend.
Baker initially had been released from the Worth County jail on his own recognizance with supervision by the Iowa Department of Corrections. Shortly after, he reportedly decided he was going to return to the Chicago area.