College Boy Stabbed Mom As She Was Taking Him To Train Back To School: Cops

A college kid stabbed his mom as she was taking him to the train back to school so he could use the insurance money to pay his tuition, police said.

Illinois State University Student Michael Bernhard, 22, stabbed his mother while they were in the family car in the driveway of their home on Cherry Hill Road outside Manhattan Monday morning, police said.

“Mrs. Bernhard stated that she was getting ready to drive her son, Michael, to the train station in order for him to return to college,” police said. “While she began backing out of the driveway her son asked her to stop the vehicle because he forgot something inside. When he returned to the inside of the vehicle he pulled out a six-inch butcher knife and proceeded to attack her.”

The mother attempted to fend off her son, “slammed the car into reverse and pulled down the driveway in order to possibly attract attention for help,” police said.

“It was at this time that a relative, who lives nearby, observed the vehicle and the struggle going on inside,” police said. “The relative called 911.”

Mother and son were both taken to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. She was treated for cuts and abrasions to her hands, arms and throat. He was evaluated and then taken to the Will County jail.

Bernhard was charged with attempted murder.
Bernhard plotted his mother’s murder to pay for his schooling, police said.

“It is believed that Michael Bernhard was attempting to kill his mother for insurance money to pay for his college tuition,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement.. He will appear in bond court tomorrow morning.