Lang
6/24/23
A suspect in an Iowa City stabbing case has pleaded not guilty.
41-year-old Michaela Austin entered the plea Friday in Johnson County court. A trial date was set for October 3rd.
Arrest records indicate Austin became involved in an altercation with some children outside her home on Shady Glenn Court just before 10:15pm on April 27th. Austin allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed the children’s mother multiple times in the chest and torso. The woman’s injuries were described by police as “severe”, requiring “significant medical intervention” and requiring several days in the hospital to treat.
Police say Austin admitted to stabbing the woman, saying she saw several people jump her son, with the victim punching him multiple times.
The victim claimed she was breaking up the fight, never hit anyone, and had no weapons.
Police say the son showed no signs of being attacked.
Austin is charged with Willful Injury Causing Serious Injury. If convicted, she faces a maximum of ten years in prison.
On Friday, Judge Jason Besler set a case management conference for August 11th.