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Friday, August 17, 2007
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Trial starts in Nisswa stabbings
Staff Writer The jury trial of Michael Eugene Stratenberger, accused of stabbing a man and woman Aug. 27 as they slept in their Nisswa home, is under way in Crow Wing County District Court.
Jury selection started Monday and was completed Tuesday, the district court reported. Witness testimony started Wednesday and is expected to continue into next week.
Stratenberger, 28, Brainerd, faces two counts of felony attempted first-degree murder, two counts of felony first-degree assault and one count of felony first-degree burglary.
Stratenberger is accused of stabbing Carrie Vukelich and Gerald Lindemann at their home on Pine Haven Road in Nisswa. Both were treated for their injuries at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
According to court documents:
¥ Vukelich told officers that she was sleeping in bed next to Lindemann when she noticed Stratenberger standing above her. She said Stratenberger stabbed her, but she was able to get away and call 911. She said Stratenberger then attacked and stabbed Lindemann.
¥ A short time after Vukelich called 911 officers located Stratenberger in Merrifield. His hands, vehicle door handles and steering wheel were covered in blood. A knife with blood on it also was recovered.
¥ An acquaintance of Stratenberger told investigators that he had called her Saturday stating he was upset with Vukelich and that he was going to kill her. On Sunday, shortly before 5:30 a.m., Stratenberger again called the acquaintance, stating he had just stabbed Vukelich and her boyfriend to death and wanted to use the acquaintance's husband as an alibi.
¥ The acquaintance also told investigators that Stratenberger had been in a relationship with Vukelich and that he had difficulties dealing with their breakup.
MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.
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