Teens arrested in fatal stabbing
Matthew Johnson (left) and Matthew MarshallBy Shane Anthony
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
01/03/2009
Two teenagers were arrested Thursday after stabbings at a Wright City New Year's Eve party that left one man dead and another critically injured.
Warren County Sheriff Kevin Harrison said Matthew Marshall, 18, of the 29000 block of Marlin Drive in Wright City, and Matthew L. Johnson, 18, of the 10000 block of Douglas Court in St. Ann, have been charged with felony assault. They are accused of attacking Raymond Post, 45, of Warren County and Fernando Melgar, 31, of Wright City.
Melgar was dead when officers arrived about 1 a.m, Harrison said. Post was tranported by helicopter to an area hospital, where he is in critical condition, he said. He said both men were stabbed multiple times in the chest, abdomen and back.
Harrison said the trouble began at a party at Post's home north of Wright City. Some friends of Marshall and Johnson were at the party. A girl called the two from the party and said she was upset with how she was being treated and wanted to leave.
Marshall and Johnson walked in and attacked the two men, then left in Marshall's vehicle, Harrison said. The group dropped Marshall at his girlfriend's house in Wentzville. Marshall's mother picked him up, and they started driving to West Plains, Mo., where they had intended to visit family.
Harrison said Marshall and his mother were stopped mid-morning Thursday near Houston, Mo., by the Texas County Sheriff's Department. His mother was questioned and released.
St. Peters police stopped Johnson on Interstate 70 in the early morning hours in Marshall's vehicle, Harrison said. Another adult and two juvniles were with him. They were questioned and released.
As of Friday evening, deputies had not yet recovered weapons used in the attack, Harrison said.
Johnson and Marshall were being held in the Warren County Jail on $250,000 bail each.