Sherburne County (trfnews.i234.me)— A 35-year-old Elk River woman, Michelle Ashley Burton, faces multiple felony charges following a violent incident that left two individuals seriously injured. The altercation occurred in the early hours of April 1, 2025, at a residence on the 13000 block of 179th Court Northwest in Elk River.
Authorities responded to reports of a physical altercation shortly after midnight. Upon arrival, officers discovered a female victim who had fled to a neighbor’s home with a knife wound to her neck. Inside the residence, they encountered a chaotic scene where a male victim was found bleeding from the face and head, engaged in a struggle with Burton.
Investigations revealed that Burton had been in a relationship with both victims and had allegedly been consuming alcohol prior to the incident. The situation escalated when Burton began throwing household items during an argument. The female victim attempted to de-escalate the situation but was struck in the head by a thrown object and subsequently stabbed in the neck. She managed to escape through a window to seek medical assistance. Medical reports indicated that the knife wound was dangerously close to the carotid artery.
The male victim sustained multiple facial fractures and significant bleeding. He reported attempting to avoid confrontation and trying to flee but was attacked by Burton. Officers found Burton holding him on the ground, in possession of a knife.
In her statement to the police, Burton admitted to wielding the knife during the altercation, acknowledging she was the only person armed. She expressed anger over one victim’s response to a recent miscarriage she had experienced. Burton confessed to intentionally harming the male victim and claimed not to recall injuring the female victim.
Burton has been charged with five felony counts, including second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, and third-degree assault causing substantial bodily harm. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison.
I’m Chris Harper, and I’m reporting for TRF News.
Did you know?
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Domestic violence incidents often escalate when alcohol is involved, increasing the risk of severe injury.
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Victims of domestic violence are encouraged to seek immediate assistance from local authorities or support organizations to ensure their safety.