during authorities detained 34-year-old E. Stotenburgh, a mother accused of trying to cut her small child’s neck during what she characterized as a psychotic episode, a horrific case from rural Minnesota has garnered national attention.
What Happened?
The woman’s husband was at work when he called 911 on July 24, 2025, and the local sheriff’s office responded. His wife had called him in a panic, he told dispatchers, claiming that demons had taken over her body and were directing her to hurt their kids. The house, which was in a remote area of Minnesota, was promptly reached by officers.
They discovered Stotenburgh outside the home, looking confused and dressed sparingly. She was arrested and placed under arrest right away.
Deputies found extremely unsettling evidence inside the house, including a kitchen knife in the sink that was allegedly used in the attack, a bloody spoon, and a decapitated duck head on a cutting board.
What the Mother Said
In the days preceding the event, Stotenburgh reported to officers that she had been hearing voices, according to the arrest affidavit. She said the voices made her eat dog poop, then cut off the head of a sick duck, eat one of its eyes, and show her kids the remains.
She claimed the same morning, the voices told her to go to her sleeping son’s room with a kitchen knife, roll him over, and slit his throat.
She went downstairs to sharpen the blade after realizing it wasn’t sharp enough to kill him. In the stairwell, she claimed to have changed her mind because she thought it was too late to save her family.
The Child s Condition
Thankfully, the child’s injuries were not life-threatening, and the sufferer is getting support and medical attention. The juvenile was stable, according to the sheriff’s office, and no other kids were hurt in the event.
Legal Action & Charges
Stotenburgh is being held at the county jail in the area on several serious accusations.
Second-Degree Murder Attempted (Without Intent)
Second-Degree Violence
If found guilty, the maximum penalty for these crimes is 20 years in jail. On July 28, 2025, she will appear in court for the first time.
Investigation and Mental Health Concerns
According to law enforcement, the inquiry is still open and ongoing. More evidence is being gathered, and deputies are assessing Stotenburgh’s mental health in conjunction with forensic and mental health professionals.
Shortly after her arrest, she was brought to a nearby hospital for assessment. Whether she will have a thorough psychiatric evaluation has not yet been confirmed by officials, but judging from her claims, mental illness is anticipated to be a major theme in the court hearings.
Community Response
The local community has been rocked by this case, even though details are still being worked out. In addition to showing sympathy for the child and family, many are drawing attention to the need for more mental health support networks, particularly in rural areas.
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