Sioux Falls stabbing suspect wants statements suppressed

SIOUX FALLS (AP) — Lawyers for a South Dakota murder suspect want a judge to suppress statements he made to police after the August 2011 stabbing.

Defense lawyers say 56-year-old Vind Strozier had been awake for nearly 24 hours, was likely drunk and was nursing head injuries when he waived his right to remain silent and confessed to the stabbing in a motel parking lot that killed 22-year-old Rodney Iron Hawk Jr.

Police who testified during a court hearing Thursday said Strozier appeared coherent after the stabbing and spoke freely with officers.

A judge will decide later on the defense request.

The media reports Strozier intends to argue at his jury trial that he acted in self-defense. He also faces an aggravated assault charge for allegedly cutting the arm of another man.

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