A brutal early-morning beating outside a portable restroom on the Stearns History Museum grounds has left a man hospitalized with severe head injuries and a shattered eye socket, and a 27-year-old St. Cloud resident facing serious felony charges.
According to WJON, the victim stopped around 6:15 a.m. Tuesday to use a porta-potty while working near the museum. Surveillance video from his work truck reportedly shows a man later identified as Nykolas D'Heilly opening the door and immediately attacking him.
St. Cloud Police were dispatched to the scene around 7:15 a.m. after a co-worker found the victim bleeding and disoriented. Officers say the man's left eye was swollen shut, and court records cited by WJON describe a broken nose, a brain bleed, and a shattered eye socket that will require surgery.
The assault happened on the museum's outdoor grounds, which host public programs and use portable restrooms during events. The Stearns History Museum describes itself as Central Minnesota's premier history museum and lists visitor information on its website. Museum staff did not immediately return requests for comment.
What Police Allege
Officers say they later located and detained 27-year-old Nykolas D'Heilly. According to police, D'Heilly admitted to carrying out the assault and to stealing a running car from a nearby driveway, which was later abandoned along County Road 75.
Court documents, as reported by WJON, list charges that include first-degree assault causing great bodily harm and auto theft. The criminal complaint summarizes surveillance evidence and what investigators say are the suspect's own admissions.
Charges and Court Process
The case is filed in Stearns County District Court, which handles criminal matters for the county and posts calendars and filings online via the Minnesota Judicial Branch. The court's website lists courthouse information and hearing schedules. Prosecutors will review the complaint, and upcoming appearances for D'Heilly will be reflected on the court calendar.
Victim's Condition and Investigation
Authorities say the victim remains hospitalized as medical teams prepare for surgery to repair his facial and orbital injuries and monitor a suspected brain bleed. Police describe the investigation as active and have not released further information about a possible motive or whether the suspect and victim knew each other.
Officials note that additional filings in Stearns County District Court could adjust or expand the charges as the case moves forward.
