Man Arrested in Unity Stabbing Case

VILLAGE OF UNITY, WI (OnFocus) – The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has confirmed the identity of the suspect involved in a stabbing that took place in the early morning hours of Sunday, January 22, 2023, at Perla’s Place Bar and Grill in the Village of Unity as Leovigildo Cruz Hernandez, an 18-year-old male. Cruz Hernandez is being held in the Marathon County Jail on a $250,000 cash bond and an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer.

The investigation revealed the suspect and victim knew each other and were both in the bar prior to the incident. An altercation in the parking lot escalated when the suspect produced a knife and stabbed the victim multiple times resulting in non-life-threatening injuries. The victim was transported to Marshfield Medical Center where he was treated and released. This incident was isolated between the two individuals and there was no concern of danger to the community.

Cruz Hernandez remained on scene and was also cut during the altercation. Following medical attention for his injuries, he was placed under arrest and transported to the Marathon County Jail. At the onset of the investigation, investigators were unable to confirm the identity of either individual through computer data bases available at the time of the incident. Investigators worked with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement to confirm the identity of the suspect who remains in custody.

On January 24, 2023, Leovigildo Cruz Hernandez appeared before a Marathon County Circuit Court Judge and received a $250,000 cash bond and is also being held on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer. It wasn’t until earlier this week that Leovigildo Cruz Hernandez was positively identified. Leovigildo Cruz Hernandez made an initial appearance for charges of Attempted First Degree Homicide and Aggravated Assault in Marathon County Circuit Court on February 8, 2023. A preliminary hearing is set for February 15, 2023.

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