STRAIGHT RIVER TWP., MN – A Park Rapids man is in custody after admitting to stabbing his former neighbor multiple times in an early-morning attack that left the victim fighting for his life, according to the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Cory Aukes said deputies were called to a trailer park just outside Park Rapids around 3:35 a.m. Saturday after reports of a man and his young daughter screaming for help.
When first responders arrived, they found 49-year-old David Kerr suffering from 8 to 10 stab wounds to the chest.
Kerr was rushed to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids before being airlifted to a Fargo medical center in critical condition.
Suspect allegedly confessed to attack
Investigators quickly identified 44-year-old Charles Justus of Park Rapids as the suspect. Deputies found his vehicle outside his home and took both Justus and his wife, Danielle Westphal, into custody for questioning.
During an interview, Justus admitted to stabbing Kerr with a knife, telling investigators he believed Kerr had an affair with his wife. He said he went to Kerr’s residence intending to “hurt him,” then launched the attack while Kerr sat on the couch with his 5-year-old daughter nearby.
Wife accused of helping dispose of evidence
After the stabbing, Justus returned home and told his wife what he had done. The couple then drove away together and disposed of his blood-stained clothing, according to the sheriff’s office.
Westphal later confirmed that she saw blood on her husband’s arm and admitted to helping him get rid of his clothes.
Both Justus and Westphal are being held at the Hubbard County Jail awaiting arraignment as the investigation continues.
