Farmington Man to Stand Trial for 2011 Stabbing at Lakeville Apartment

A Farmington man will soon stand trial for a stabbing that injured two Lakeville residents, leaving one in serious condition.

Randall James Thole, 51, is charged with two counts of second-degree assault for the 2011 knife attack. Each count carries a maximum penalty of seven years in jail and a $14,000 fine.

According to the criminal complaint against Thole, the stabbing occurred on Aug. 7, 2011 around 1 a.m. Once on the scene, police encountered two victims, a man and a woman. 

The man told officers that he was outside the apartment complex when he heard the woman scream, “No, Randy! No, Randy!” When he ran to see what was happening, he saw Thole punching the woman against the side of a car. The man hit and pushed Thole to get him off of her. Thole fought back briefly, then took off.

The two made a dash for the complex. They were inside the entryway, trying to get past a secure, interior door when Thole allegedly burst in, swinging a large hunting knife about eight to 10 inches long. Thole jabbed the knife at the man's stomach, but he was able to dodge the blade.

The woman was not so fortunate. The man said Thole "jumped on" her, and strike at her abdomen with the knife. In turn, the man said that he rushed Thole and a struggle ensued. Eventually, the man wrestled the knife from Thole's hands and pushed him out the door, locking Thole away from them.

According to the two victims, Thole threatened to kill the woman throughout the attack.

The man sustained injuries to his torso and arms, as well as defensive wounds on his hands. The woman was cut on her shoulder and hands, with a deep wound in her abdomen. She was taken to the hospital in serious condition after experiencing significant blood loss. Her injuries required both sutures and staples.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, a petition that still stands after a settlement conference last Monday. If all goes ahead as planned, his trial will begin on April 15. 

Thole has a lengthy criminal history. He is currently serving a 30-year sentence for forcibly raping a 14-year-old girl who was under his supervision, though he has filed an appeal in the case.