Youth suspect in custody in Columbia stabbing

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The minor accused of stabbing another youth Tuesday night in central Columbia is in custody, according to the Columbia Police Department.

CPD responded to the 200 block of Unity Drive around 5:30 p.m. and found a juvenile victim with a non-life-threatening stab wound, according to the post. The minor was arrested for alleged first-degree assault and armed criminal action.

The suspect had previously been trespassed from Columbia Housing Authority property, according to the agency's director.

Columbia Housing Authority CEO Randy Cole said the suspect and victim are minors. Cole confirmed the minor suspected of the stabbing at Stuart Parker Apartments off Unity Drive had been given a no-trespassing order in 2024.

"There were no subsequent incidents that met the threshold for reissuing a trespass prior to last night's incident," Cole added in a written statement.

Cole said the victim has non-life-threatening injuries and is a resident of the apartment complex.

The online Columbia police dispatch log shows officers were dispatched at 5:58 p.m. on Tuesday to Unity Drive. Columbia Police Department Lt. Andy Muscato said one person was stabbed, but no weapon or suspects were found as of Tuesday night.

An ABC 17 News reporter spoke with the suspect's dad Michael Clark, who confirmed she is 17 years old. He also said he turned her over to police custody around 11:30 p.m.

"Nobody died, you know what I'm saying. I feel sorry for that family, I feel sorry for my daughter, it should never have came to this," Clark said.

One neighbor was granted anonymity for fear of retribution. She and a couple of other neighbors told ABC 17 News that a 17-year-old girl and a group of friends caused some trouble around the neighborhood.

Clark refuted some of those claims.

"There's so many kids out here, I mean, kids [are] always in trouble doing something, that's normal," Clark said. "Nothing like this, though. She ain't no bully. She's just a good person."