Lang
7/12/24
A suspect in an Iowa City stabbing has been given probation.
That was the sentence handed down by Judge Jason Burns on Thursday in the case of 22-year-old Lake Newton of West Liberty.
The incident occurred outside Bardot just before 2am on the morning of May 6th, 2023. Newton had just turned 21 hours earlier, and police say he and his friends had been celebrating. A large fight involving the group broke out outside of Bardot and spilled into South Gilbert Street. Newton reportedly was captured on multiple bystander videos throwing numerous punches, and holding one of the victims so that he could be attacked. The victim was then allegedly body-slammed to the concrete by Newton, knocking him unconscious. Newton also allegedly stabbed one participant multiple times.
When officers arrived on the scene, one victim was bleeding and nearly unresponsive. Broken eyeglasses were also reportedly recovered from the scene that matched photos of Newton located throughout social media.
Police say a total of three subjects were stabbed during the fight.
Newton was initially charged with Willful Injury Causing Serious Injury, Assault While Participating in a Felony and Rioting. Those charges were pleaded down to Assault With Intent to Inflict Serious Injury. On Thursday, Newton was given a two-year suspended sentence, a deferred judgment, and two years of probation. He could have faced up to 15 years in prison if convicted on the initial charges.
Another suspect in the case, 29-year-old Victor Torres Molina of the Breckenridge Estates manufactured housing community on Taft Avenue SE, is charged with Assault While Participating in a Felony and Rioting. A case management conference is set for August 26th. If convicted on both charges, Torres Molina faces a maximum of ten years in prison.