A Minnesota woman has been arrested after allegedly telling police that demons forced her to perform several disturbing acts, including slitting her son’s throat. Edwina Marie Stoutenburgh, 34, was taken into custody on Sunday after authorities responded to a chaotic scene at her home in Thief River Falls, Minnesota.
Police Arrive at a Disturbing Scene
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by local NBC affiliate KVLY, deputies from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office were called to the Stoutenburgh family home after reports that a child’s throat had been cut. When deputies arrived, they found Stoutenburgh outside the house, partially undressed, and immediately handcuffed her.
She reportedly told the police, “Don’t take them off.”
Alleged Demonic Influence Behind the Actions
The call to police had been made by Stoutenburgh’s husband, who said that he had been at work when his wife called him, allegedly claiming that “they” had taken control of her and demanded that she kill their children.
According to police reports, Stoutenburgh allegedly referred to the “they” as two demons named “Bondage” and “Infirmity.” Stoutenburgh told authorities that she had woken up that Sunday morning hearing voices, and claimed she was unable to control them. She said the demons made her do unnatural things, including eating dog feces.
Grotesque Acts Allegedly Committed
The police affidavit revealed more disturbing details. Stoutenburgh allegedly admitted to cutting off the head of a pet duck the family had recently euthanized, cutting it open, and even eating one of its eyes. Authorities reported that they found the duck’s severed head on a cutting board in the kitchen, with a bloody spoon beside it.
Stoutenburgh also allegedly told police that the demons wanted her to drink her son’s blood and kill the rest of her children. However, she said she did not want to harm her children and that the demons forced her to do it.
Attack on Her Son
In the affidavit, it is stated that Stoutenburgh went into her son’s bedroom while he was asleep. She allegedly rolled him over, pulled his head back, and attempted to slit his throat with a knife. However, she claimed the knife was too dull to cut through the skin. Stoutenburgh said the demons told her to sharpen the knife, but she did not return to the room to finish the act.
Attempt to Manipulate the Children
Stoutenburgh’s other children were reportedly witnesses to her disturbing behavior. She allegedly told her children to take the keys to the family vehicle and drive away, as she was planning to kill them.
Despite the disturbing situation, the boy Stoutenburgh allegedly attacked was reported to have non-life-threatening injuries.
Charges and Legal Consequences
Following the incident, Stoutenburgh was taken to the emergency room after being arrested at her home. She has been charged with attempted second-degree murder without intent and second-degree assault.
Stoutenburgh is currently being held at the Pennington County Jail without bond. Her first court appearance is scheduled for July 28.
This shocking case highlights the disturbing intersection of mental health, abuse, and the manipulation of children. Edwina Marie Stoutenburgh’s alleged actions, including trying to slit her son’s throat and force her children to lie, have left authorities and the community in disbelief. The charges against her and the emotional trauma her children have endured are only the beginning of what will likely be a complex legal and psychological case.
