BALSAM LAKE, WI (WTAQ) – A Minnesota man has pleaded not guilty to a charge that he stabbed a former wrestling coach to death after a three-hour argument on the St. Croix River.
19-year-old Levi Acre-Kendall of Cambridge Minnesota entered his not guilty plea Monday in Polk County Circuit Court to a count of first-degree reckless homicide.
34-year-old Peter Kelly was killed the night of April 14th.
Authorities said two groups of fishermen were yelling at each other from each side of the river at Interstate State Park at St. Croix Falls — and Kelly and his friend were upset that the others were loud and profane.
After their long argument, officials said Kelly drove across the river to the Wisconsin side — where he was stabbed in the chest. Two others were with Acre-Kendall, but they were not charged.
The defendant’s lawyer said his client acted in self defense.
Acre-Kendall’s bond was reduced Monday from $125,000 to $75,000. A status hearing is set for June 22nd, when a trial date could be set.
(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)
