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    Des Moines man charged with Second-Degree Murder in Aug. 4 fatal assault of 69-year-old neighbor Marla Knigge

    By Scott Schaefer,

    1 days ago
    From our sister site The Waterland Blog:

    The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office this week charged Jake L. Berman, 39, with second-degree murder in the death of his neighbor, 69-year-old Marla M. Knigge in Des Moines on Aug. 4, 2024.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0j6yX1_0wQ1SqgH00
    Jake L. Berman, 39

    Charging documents detail a brutal assault allegedly by Berman that left Knigge, a petite woman at 5’2” and 109 pounds, with significant injuries, including an orbital fracture and head trauma.

    Berman, who stands 6’7”, is alleged to have attacked Knigge at their shared condominium complex on 7th Ave South in Des Moines.

    If you appreciate our independent local journalism, please…

    Court documents reveal a troubling history of violent behavior by Berman, citing incidents in 2024 alone where he allegedly attacked other victims, including:

    • July 21, 2024: Two weeks before his alleged fatal assault of Knigge, Berman was accused of attacking a 72-year-old neighbor, repeatedly kicking and punching him even after the man fell. This assault left the victim with multiple cuts and a broken rib (read our previous coverage here).
    • April 9, 2024: Berman is reported to have assaulted multiple guests in the common area and parking lot of his condo building, resulting in injuries. This included an unprovoked attack on another resident or guest.
    • Feb. 5, 2024: At a local Safeway store, Berman allegedly assaulted a customer without provocation, causing physical harm.

    These incidents outline a pattern of violent behavior involving unprovoked attacks on various individuals in different public and residential settings.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3YrWl2_0wQ1SqgH00
    After Berman was taken into custody on Aug. 5, 2024, officers photographed fresh injuries to the suspect’s knuckles on both hands and his right ankle and foot. Detectives believe that Berman’s injuries to his hands and foot/ankle appeared fresh and were from some type of assault.

    Berman is being held on $2 million bail due to the likelihood of violent reoffense and concerns about failure to appear in court. Prosecutors have emphasized the severity of the charge, stating that the murder occurred while Berman was attempting to commit assault, leading to Knigge’s death. The bail request highlights Berman’s history of unprovoked attacks on unsuspecting strangers, pointing to a continued threat to public safety.

    If convicted, Berman faces a lengthy prison sentence. His case underscores ongoing concerns about the release of individuals with a history of violent conduct, especially in settings where vulnerable residents may be at risk.

    If you appreciate our independent local journalism, please…

    Related Search

    Second-Degree murderPublic assaultsViolent crimeLegal consequencesViolent behaviorNeighborhood safety

    Comments / 3

    Add a Comment
    Michael Welch
    1d ago
    The last paragraph should be required reading for all Prosecutors and Judges.
    echo
    1d ago
    This seems impossible. Several unprovoked attacks yet he was free and continued living in open society. Make it make sense like I am in kindergarten.
    View all comments

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