Charges filed after man attacked with axe for not knocking

BUTLER, Missouri (KCTV) — A Butler man has been charged after hitting his roommate’s boyfriend in the head with an axe because he didn’t knock when the two returned from the grocery store.

Documents filed Tuesday, September 24, in Bates County District Court in Missouri state that Michael L. Richards, 58, of Butler, was charged with assault and unlawful use of a weapon.

The Bates County Sheriff’s Office said that on August 20, at around 1 p.m., police officers were called to a rural home for a report of an assault. When they arrived, they found an adult male victim who had been struck in the side of the head with a “tomahawk-like axe.”

The victim reported that he had picked up a friend who was staying with Richards to make a quick trip to the grocery store. When the couple returned, Richards became angry that he had not knocked when he re-entered and struck the victim in the head with the gun. He reported that he saw a flash of light, which is common with blunt force trauma.

The woman stated that Richards had lived in the home since her estranged husband invited him there. He was known to own various blades and cutting tools, but had no history of violence.

Two witnesses and a man named Richards told investigators that the victim’s account of events was true. Richards was taken into custody and bail was set at $14,500. No court dates have been scheduled. No further information was provided.

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