Home / Crime and Justice / Judge Denies Release for Man Who Stabbed Deputy
Judge Denies Release for Man Who Stabbed Deputy
9 Mar
Summary
- Man convicted of stabbing deputy had release request denied.
- He remains committed to Mendota Mental Health Institute.
- Judge cited danger to self and others as reason for denial.
A Chippewa County judge has denied a release request for Travis Abbiehl, a Stanley man convicted of stabbing Deputy Andrew Clark in August 2018. Abbiehl was found guilty of first-degree reckless injury and second-degree recklessly endangering safety, with a plea of not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.
Abbiehl has been under a commitment order through 2035 and was previously conditionally released in April 2022 under the supervision of the Department of Health Services. However, his release was revoked in October 2024, and he was returned to the Mendota Mental Health Institute.
During Friday's hearing, a doctor testified against Abbiehl's release, and the District Attorney emphasized concerns about his mental health issues making him a danger to others. The judge agreed, noting Abbiehl's history of mental illness, failed drug tests, and missed counseling sessions. Abbiehl is eligible to file for release every six months.
