A 28-year-old Parkville man is currently being held at the Platte County Detention Center on a $100,000 cash- only bond, after allegedly stabbing his roommate, a 40-year-old white male, on Thursday evening on NW Crooked Road at Parkville.
According to a probable cause statement filed with the court by the Platte County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Gary L. Stewart admitted to officers that he planned and attempted to kill his roommate by stabbing him because he believed his roommate was a homosexual. His roommate denies the allegation made by Stewart.
According to prosecutors, Stewart said that while his roommate was talking on the telephone, he approached him unnoticed from the rear and stabbed him in the back of the head with his utility knife. When the roommate turned around, Stewart said he then slashed his throat.
The report stated that the two roommates began to struggle over the utility knife until the victim was able to lock himself in his bedroom. Stewart then kicked in the bedroom door in an attempt to go after his roommate.
According to authorities, once in the room the suspect noticed that the victim was on the phone speaking with 911. Stewart then heard the sirens and fled the scene.
Officers found Stewart in the backyard of the residence, where he was apprehended. Prosecutors say Stewart admitted to detectives that he knew it was wrong and illegal to stab someone, but he felt that he was totally right in doing so because of his beliefs. He also stated that he fled the area so he would not be caught.
The Platte County Sheriff Department, along with the Parkville Police Department, the South Platte County Fire Department and MAST ambulance responded to the scene.
The victim, who is the homeowner, was transported to North Kansas City Hospital in critical condition. It is believed the victim will survive his injuries, authorities said. The suspect was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital on Barry Road to be treated for minor wounds prior to being taken to the Platte County Detention Center in Platte City.
Stewart is charged with two counts for the incident, including assault in the first degree, which is a Class A felony punishable by 10-30 years imprisonment or a life sentence; and a felony count of armed criminal action.