A quiet Sunday morning at a rural home south of Motley turned into a crime scene when a 53-year-old man was brutally stabbed, leaving him in critical condition and a younger relative in handcuffs, according to the Morrison County Sheriff's Office.
The victim, identified as Douglas Denio, was found with multiple stab wounds. He was first treated in Staples, then moved to St. Cloud with what authorities described as life-threatening injuries. A 23-year-old relative, identified as Christian Denio, was arrested and is being held in the Morrison County Jail pending charges.
The sheriff's office says a 9-1-1 call came in around 7:15 a.m. reporting a stabbing at a home off Cherry Lane, about six miles south of Motley, according to WJON. Responding deputies found Douglas Denio suffering from several stab wounds, got him to a local hospital, and took Christian Denio into custody at the scene.
Medical Response And Where He Was Treated
Lakewood Health System lists a Staples facility that provides emergency services to the Staples-Motley area and is where first responders often bring initial trauma patients. That is where Douglas Denio was first taken before being transferred to CentraCare - St. Cloud Hospital, the region's larger referral center for advanced care and trauma treatment.
Investigation And What Comes Next
As reported by WJON, deputies arrested 23-year-old Christian Denio in connection with the incident, and he remains in custody as investigators continue to gather evidence. Authorities have not released a possible motive, and detailed charging information has not yet been made public. Local prosecutors will determine formal charges as the investigation moves forward.
How To Help Investigators
The case remains active, and investigators are still piecing together what led up to the stabbing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Morrison County Sheriff's Office. County contact details and general information for the sheriff's office are available on the Morrison County website.
