Stabbing victim ID’d by Cass County sheriff’s office

WALKER – The victim of a fatal stabbing near here Wednesday has been identified.

Jason Dale Howard, 22, of Walker, died while being transported to a hospital. He was stabbed during an encounter with a group of men near his home, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office said Friday.

Previously, Sheriff Tom Burch said deputies responded to a report of a stabbing about 10:15 p.m. Wednesday in the Onigum area of Leech Lake.

Sheldon James Smith, 20, faces a charge of second-degree murder.

A criminal complaint filed in the case said Smith stabbed the victim during an encounter between two groups of individuals and then fled the scene with his companions. The complaint also said the two groups had fought previously.

Smith appeared Thursday in Cass County District Court, where Judge David Harrington set unconditional bail at $750,000 or $500,000 with conditions.

Smith’s next court date is scheduled for April 2.

The stabbing remains under investigation.