YELLVILLE — Stephen Fitzpatrick was released from Marion County Jail on Aug. 8 after meeting the $150,000 cash-only bond set for him by the court in January. Fitzpatrick is charged with the Dec. 25 first degree murder of Lucas Jewell. The accused is the uncle of the 43-year-old victim. Fitzpatrick is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday morning, Aug.14.
Jewell’s death occurred on Christmas night last year, between 11 p.m. and midnight. The Marion County 911 center received a call reporting a stabbing in the Everton area on Marion County Road 5013. When responders arrived they found Jewell, deceased, on the floor of a workshop. Jewell appeared to have a stab wound in his chest. Fitzpatrick along with three other individuals were at the scene.
An individual at the scene informed deputies they had witnessed Fitzpatrick stab Jewell in the chest with a knife. A large, blood-stained knife was located on a table near the victim. The affidavit states Fitzpatrick was a previously convicted felon with a history of violence and escape.