An Iowa teen has been charged with fatally stabbing a man on New Year’s Day 2026 and remaining with the body for more than an hour before alerting his family.
The Incident
JK Athree, 17, allegedly stabbed 43-year-old Jermel Ellington multiple times—hitting his thigh, back, neck, and chest—following a confrontation in Sioux City. The attack reportedly stemmed from a months-long feud after Ellington had previously stabbed Athree during a prior altercation.
Aftermath
After the stabbing, Athree allegedly stayed inside the vehicle listening to music for over an hour while Ellington’s body remained inside. He later went to his family’s home, asking them to help conceal the crime. When they called 911 instead, Athree became aggressive and attempted to flee before being detained by officers.
Legal Proceedings
Athree is facing one count of first-degree murder. District 3 Judge Robert D. Tiefenthaler rejected a motion to transfer the case to juvenile court, citing the need for longer-term supervision and public safety concerns.
The teen’s defense has filed motions seeking to suppress his alleged confessions, arguing they were not obtained voluntarily, knowingly, or intelligently, as his mother was denied an interpreter and Athree was intoxicated at the time.
The defense also plans to raise self-defense, insanity, intoxication, and diminished responsibility at trial, which is scheduled for November 2026.
Custody and Bond
Athree remains in the Woodbury County Jail on a $500,000 bond.
