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

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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