Woman Charged with Attempted Murder in Elk River Assault

Apr 4

An Elk River woman is facing multiple felony charges after a violent incident left two people with serious injuries in Sherburne County.

On Tuesday, April 1, officers responded to a report of a physical altercation shortly after midnight at a residence on the 13000 block of 179th Court Northwest in Elk River.

Upon arrival, they found one victim bleeding from a knife wound to the neck. She had fled to a neighbor’s home to call for help. Inside the residence, officers encountered a chaotic scene, including a man and a woman struggling on the floor. The man was visibly injured and bleeding from the face and head.

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The suspect, 35-year-old Michelle Ashley Burton, allegedly attacked both victims during the early morning hours. According to statements, the victim inside the home was in a relationship with both Burton and the other victim. Burton had allegedly been drinking alcohol prior to the incident.

The complaint outlines a sequence of escalating violence. Burton allegedly became upset and began throwing household items during an argument. The female victim tried to de-escalate the situation but was struck in the head by a thrown object and later stabbed in the neck. She escaped through a window to seek medical assistance. Hospital staff later reported the knife wound had come dangerously close to the carotid artery.

The second victim reportedly suffered multiple facial fractures and significant bleeding. He told investigators he had attempted to avoid confrontation and even tried to flee at one point, but was attacked. He was later found by officers being held on the ground by Burton, who was in possession of a knife at the time.

In her statement to police, Burton admitted to swinging a knife during the altercation and acknowledged she was the only person armed. She claimed she was angry over how one of the victims had responded to a recent miscarriage she experienced. Burton also admitted to intentionally harming the male victim and said she did not recall injuring the female victim.

Burton has been charged with five felony counts, including second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of third-degree assault causing substantial bodily harm. She faces up to 20 years in prison.

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