PENNINGTON COUNTY, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A mental illness and cognitive impairment evaluation has been ordered for a Thief River Falls woman accused of attempted murder.
Edwina Marie Stoutenburgh, 34, is charged with felony attempted second-degree murder without intent and second-degree assault. The charges stem from a July 20 incident reported to the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the criminal complaint, deputies responded to a residence in rural Pennington County after receiving a report involving several juveniles. Upon arrival, officers found multiple children in a vehicle and determined they were safe before approaching the home.
Stoutenburgh was located outside the residence and detained for safety reasons. She reportedly told deputies “they” made her do things, later clarifying that “they” referred to demons. She was transported to Sanford Medical Center for evaluation.
Once at the hospital, Stoutenburgh allegedly stated that she believed demons named “Bondage” and “Infirmity” had taken control of her body. She admitted to eating animal remains at their command and claimed “they” instructed her to harm family members. The complaint states that she entered a child’s bedroom and attempted to cut the child’s throat with a dull knife, but was unsuccessful. The knife was later sharpened, though she did not return to the room. The child sustained marks on the neck.
Investigators later located a severed duck’s head, a bloodied spoon, and a knife in the kitchen. Stoutenburgh’s husband told deputies she had called him earlier, stating that “they” were telling her to kill the children.
During a court hearing on November 7, Judge Tamara Yon ordered a mental health evaluation at the request of defense attorneys. The evaluation will determine whether Stoutenburgh is competent to proceed. The request was supported by the defense and not opposed by the prosecution.
Court staff will coordinate with approved evaluators to conduct the assessment in person. The case remains under review by the Pennington County Attorney’s Office.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
