Lindseth to be charged for attack on HC Jailer

By Lori Berglund — Daily Freeman-Journal Editor
"OFFICER DOWN," was the call that went out from the Hamilton County Jail at approximately 9 p.m. Sunday when an inmate being held on a previous murder charge reportedly attacked one of the jail staff members.

Michael Anthony Lindseth, 25, who is already charged with first degree murder for the December killing of his brother, is now expected to face additional charge(s) for the alleged attack on a Hamilton County Jailer Sunday night. The new charge could be as serious at attempted murder. The additional charge or charges were to be filed and Lindseth was to make an appearance in Hamilton County Magistrate Court later today on this new allegation.

The entire incident went down in a matter of mere minutes and seconds Sunday night.

Jail staff reported an "officer down" and requested immediate assistance at 9:06 p.m. Sunday. Webster City Police Officers responded in less than 60 seconds, with their arrival at the jail reported at 9:07 p.m. However, by that time, according to reports, additional jail staff had the situation under control. At 9:09 p.m. the all OK call was given.

The jailer involved in the incident was transported to Hamilton Hospital, where he was treated and released Sunday night.

Jail officials today said utmost care and concern was given to both jail staff and other inmates at the facility to ensure that it is a "safe and secure" site for all individuals.

Lindseth has been in maximum security since he was first arrested for the murder of his brother, 24-year-old Douglas Lindseth, at the family home near Ellsworth last December.

Earlier this month, the Hamilton County Attorney's Office won a request from the court to secure a handwriting sample from Lindseth.

Court documents indicate that a note was found in Lindseth's vehicle and that the note is evidence in the murder case. The contents of that note are not public at this time, but court documents elsewhere indicate that Lindseth verbally "admitted to killing his brother with a hammer and a knife” in a 911 call he made to report the murder.

Prosecutors plan to compare the handwriting sample with the note.

Trial on the murder charge is now tentatively set for Tuesday, July 29, in Hamilton County District Court.



Contact Lori Berglund at editor@freemanjournal.net'>editor@freemanjournal.net