Preliminary hearing set in Lampe Park stabbing

A preliminary hearing is set June 4 for a 20-year-old Dresslerville man accused of stabbing a Markleeville man at a softball game at Lampe Park.

Brandon Brown was charged with battery with a deadly weapon causing substantial bodily harm.

The preliminary hearing is to determine probable cause the crime was committed and that Brown is the suspect.

On Wednesday, East Fork Justice Jim EnEarl refused to lower Brown's $10,500 cash bail.

Attorney Tom Perkins, filling in for Kris Brown, said the suspect's family couldn't afford bail as it stood and recommended $2,500.

"His family is here in court, and they have promised to make sure he resides at home, stays sober, keeps away from the alleged victim, and makes all court appearances," Perkins said.

Karen Dustman opposed any change in bail.

"We believe $10,500 cash is only reasonable in light of the charges," she said.

EnEarl agreed.

"The nature of the allegations is fairly serious," EnEarl said. "Plus, he has a failure to appear which indicates an inablilty on one occasion to make a court appearance."

Brown was charged with failure to appear after he failed to pay restitution or show up in court Nov. 9, 2009, on a willful injury to property case.

Perkins asked that the failure to appear contempt case be heard after the more serious allegation is adjudicated.

EnEarl said he would discuss Brown's custody after the preliminary hearing.

Brown is accused of stabbing 26-year-old Brandon Robertson of Markleeville on May 14 at a softball game.

Deputies were called to the park at 9 p.m. following reports that Robertson and Brown had become involved in an altercation.

According to reports, bystanders broke up the fight and Brown ran from the scene. A deputy found him a short time later and Brown was taken into custody without incident.

Brown is accused of stabbing Robertson in the abdomen, chest and side. The victim was taken by CareFlight to Renown Regional Medical Center where he was treated for his injuries.