Man Admits to Stabbing Teen at Rochester Home

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A southeast Minnesota man has admitted to a felony assault charge stemming from a stabbing. 

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The victim in the case was a juvenile at the time of the December 2023 stabbing. 

Court records show the Waltham man charged in the case entered a guilty plea in Olmsted County Court on Tuesday. The case was set to go to trial next week. 

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Waltham Man Enters Guilty Plea for December 2023 Stabbing at Rochester Home

25-year-old Benjamin Randel Pater was charged last April with second-degree assault and fifth-degree assault. 

The criminal complaint says he went to the victim’s home in southwest Rochester on the night of Dec. 7, 2023 to fight the victim after the two had exchanged text messages. 

Pater allegedly stabbed the juvenile after the juvenile put him in a headlock. Three people who traveled to the victim’s home with Pater said they broke up the altercation after the stabbing and rendered aid to the victim. 

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Pater turned himself in on the night of the stabbing. The charges say the boy received stitches to treat stab wounds to his leg and neck. 

Court records indicate Pater’s plea deal calls for him to admit to the second-degree assault charge. 

The plea agreement says Pater’s defense will argue for a downward sentencing departure. Pater’s sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.