Stabbing victim suffered multiple wounds, Cedar Rapids police say

UPDATE: Police believe a Cedar Rapids man tried to kill another man when he stabbed him with a pocket knife Sunday.

John J. Brown, 43, is charged with attempted murder for allegedly stabbing Milo Bilek, 44, of Marion, several times at a home across the street from Mount Mercy College. Police arrested Brown at the home, 1816 J Ave. NE, shortly after the assault.

Police said Brown used a knife with a five-inch blade to stab Bilek in the chest and leg around 5:15 p.m. Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said Bilek suffered serious injuries, but he is expected to live. He was taken to St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, but information about his condition was not immediately available.

“There were lacerations to his face, multiple (wounds) to his body and one cut on his leg,” Hamblin said.

Brown is also charged with willful injury and assault while displaying a dangerous weapon. According to the criminal complaint, Brown “admitted to stabbing the victim and that he intended to kill him and other witnesses to the incident.”

Hamblin said Bilek was visiting Brown at the house. She said investigators have not determined a motive for the attack. The relationship between the two men is unclear, she said.

Officers at the scene recovered the knife used in the assault, Hamblin said.

An arrest warrant was already active for Brown, who failed to appear for theft and drug charges. He is being held in the Linn County Jail in lieu of $510,000 cash bond.

[mappress]