Family issues statement on Tuesday's alleged stabbing

By: 
Nick Pedley

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An investigation into an alleged stabbing incident yesterday in Hampton found that the victim’s wounds were self-inflicted.

Police and emergency personnel responded to a 911 call in the 900 block of First Avenue Southeast around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. There, they discovered the victim, Jessica Speake, and transported her to the hospital for additional medical treatment.

Officers from the Hampton Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations originally investigated the incident as a stabbing crime, but evidence ulitmately discovered Speake’s wounds were self-inflicted.

Speake’s family issued a public statement via Hampton Police Chief Bob Schaefer late Wednesday morning.

“Our family appreciates all the thoughts and prayers for Jessica. Her wound was self-inflicted and she is going to recover. We ask for continued prayers and privacy while our family and Jessica gets through this difficult time,” stated the release.

Wednesday’s news comes in the wake of fears that a stabbing suspect was still at large in the community following Tuesday’s incident. Schaefer said law enforcement officials withheld any information surrounding the case or possible suspect Tuesday night until they completed their premilinary investigation.

"It's not what we were expecting," he said.

A police presence was requested at Hampton-Dumont school buildings Wednesday to reassure students who might have felt unsafe following Tuesday’s events.

“That was basically to make them feel safe because of all the rumors going around that somebody was still out there,” Schaefer said.

No more information will be released about the incident, according to Schaefer.

Hampton Chronicle

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Hampton, IA 50441
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