A New Brighton man remains at large after allegedly attacking a couple with a steak knife as they slept at their home in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, leaving both victims with serious injuries.
Wesley Al McDaniel, 35, is accused of stabbing the pair during the early hours of 27 August, according to a criminal complaint filed in Anoka County Court. The man and woman had reportedly allowed McDaniel to stay at their home after the male victim collected him from a treatment facility about a week earlier.
Police were called to the property near Ibis Street NW after one of the victims dialled 911. Officers found both adults in bed with what appeared to be extensive blood covering them, as well as blood on the carpet, bedding and a nearby chest of drawers.
Couple suffered severe injuries in Coon Rapids stabbing
The woman told investigators she woke to the sound of the man screaming. She allegedly saw McDaniel attacking him before he turned the knife on her.
The man suffered more than 15 stab wounds, including serious cuts to his neck, chest and eye. He was described as being in critical condition and was taken to Hennepin County Medical Centre, where he underwent emergency eye surgery.
The woman sustained multiple wounds to her head and arms, some of which exposed parts of her skull. She also required emergency facial reconstruction surgery, the complaint states.
McDaniel allegedly fled in the woman’s Chevrolet Equinox. The vehicle was later found abandoned in Minneapolis, but officers have so far been unable to locate him.
He faces six felony charges: two counts of attempted first-degree premeditated murder, two counts of first-degree assault causing great bodily harm and two counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon causing substantial bodily harm.
The allegations have not been tested in court. McDaniel’s whereabouts and the name of the treatment facility from which he was collected have not been disclosed.
