STRAIGHT RIVER TOWNSHIP, MN – A local man is facing a slew of felony charges after authorities say he broke into his former neighbor’s home and stabbed him multiple times, allegedly motivated by suspicions of an affair. The violent incident unfolded early Friday morning in a mobile home community just outside Park Rapids, sending shockwaves through the quiet rural area.
Shortly before 3:40 a.m. on October 4, Hubbard County deputies responded to distressing reports from the Piney Park Mobile Home Community. Neighbors reported hearing an adult man and his young daughter screaming for help outside their residence. When residents rushed outside, they found David Kerr, 49, bleeding heavily from the chest, his 5-year-old daughter by his side.
Law enforcement and emergency responders arrived within minutes and discovered Kerr suffering from what appeared to be eight to ten stab wounds. He was treated at the scene before being quickly transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital. Due to the seriousness of his injuries, Kerr was later airlifted to a hospital in Fargo, North Dakota, for further care.
Authorities identified Charles Justus, 44, as the suspect. According to investigators, Justus was a former neighbor of Kerr and had entered the home through an unlocked door. Kerr, despite his injuries, was able to implicate Justus as his attacker before being taken to the hospital. Kerr’s mother also reportedly confirmed the identity of the assailant.
Deputies tracked Justus to his nearby home, where he and his wife, Danielle Westphal, were located. Both were detained and taken to the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office for questioning. Officials say Justus not only admitted to the attack during an interview but also detailed his reasoning. He told investigators he believed his wife had been unfaithful with Kerr and went to confront him in what turned into a violent assault.
Details from the investigation reveal that upon entering Kerr’s home, Justus found Kerr and his daughter together on the couch. He reportedly attacked Kerr with both his fists and a knife, inflicting multiple stab wounds before fleeing the scene.
After the assault, Justus returned home and disclosed the events to his wife. The two then allegedly used Westphal’s car to drive to an undisclosed location to dispose of Justus’ blood-stained clothing. Investigators say Westphal corroborated much of the account during her own interview.
Hubbard County officials have charged Justus with first- and second-degree attempted murder, first- and second-degree assault, and burglary. Authorities have not shared information regarding any charges against Westphal at this time.
Kerr’s current condition has not been released, and the investigation remains ongoing. The incident has left residents in the tight-knit community shaken, as law enforcement continues to gather more details surrounding the motive and aftermath of the attack.