Trial is back on for a Northeast Iowa man accused of trying to kill his mother with a dumbbell.
In April 2024, Decorah Police arrested 28-year-old Daniel Hammel of Decorah for attempted murder, a Class B felony. Charges also include willful injury causing serious injury, a Class C felony, plus first-degree harassment and domestic abuse assault with intent to inflict serious injury, both aggravated misdemeanors.
Criminal complaints indicate Hammel got into a fight with his mother and stated he wanted to kill her while hitting her in the head with a dumbbell.
Hammel was originally scheduled to stand trial in September 2024 in Winneshiek County District Court until a judge approved the defense’s request for Hammel to be evaluated for his competency to stand trial.
Based on a report filed October 4, 2024, Hammel was declared competent to stand trial, which was then reset for January 23rd.
On January 14th, a judge cancelled the trial and set a hearing on January 28th for “further proceedings,” an indication Hammel might agree to a plea deal. However, the next day, Hammel’s request to have his case placed back on the trial schedule was granted and the trial is now slated for February 19th.
Hammel remains in the Winneshiek County Jail without bond.
