Case update!!!!!!
A Stearns County judge has ordered a competency evaluation for Luke Patrick McLane, 33, who is charged with second-degree intentional murder in the June 27 killing of Glapoujay Garmondeh, 30, an employee at St. Luke Home, a Catholic Charities residential facility serving adults with developmental disabilities in Cold Spring.
According to the criminal complaint, officers responded to the group home in the 400 block of 8th Avenue North after receiving reports of a man suffering from a severe neck injury.
When officers arrived, they found Garmondeh lying outside the residence with what investigators described as a catastrophic wound to his neck. Officers immediately began life-saving measures while another resident attempted to apply pressure to the wound. Despite those efforts, Garmondeh stopped breathing and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses Describe a Brutal Attack
Court records allege that multiple witnesses identified McLane, a resident of the group home, as the individual responsible for the attack.
One witness told investigators they saw McLane running toward Garmondeh with a knife before dragging him across the yard. Another witness reported seeing McLane climb on top of Garmondeh while shouting, “I’m going to kill you.”
After McLane got off the victim, the witness realized Garmondeh’s throat had been cut.
According to the complaint, when confronted about what had happened, McLane allegedly responded:
“I told you I was going to do it.”
Responding officers also reported hearing McLane yelling from a nearby deck that he had warned the victim he would carry out the attack.
Knife Recovered
Investigators say McLane directed officers to the location of the weapon, pointing toward a nearby roadway where police recovered the knife.
The complaint further alleges that McLane told officers he had thrown the knife at the first police officer he encountered.
Officers also documented what appeared to be blood on McLane’s face, right arm, left hand, and the back of his shirt.
Surveillance Video Captured the Incident
According to the complaint, surveillance cameras inside the residence recorded the assault, providing investigators with video evidence that allegedly shows McLane attacking Garmondeh.
The Midwest Medical Examiner later determined Garmondeh died from multiple sharp-force injuries, including wounds to the right carotid artery, right jugular vein, and larynx. His death was officially ruled a homicide.
Competency Evaluation Suspends Criminal Proceedings
Although prosecutors continue to pursue the murder charge, the criminal proceedings have been temporarily suspended after McLane’s attorney requested a competency evaluation.
During a June 30 hearing, District Judge Mary Mahler found probable cause exists to support the murder charge but also determined there is a reasonable basis to question McLane’s competency to proceed. The court therefore ordered an evaluation under Minnesota Rule of Criminal Procedure 20.01.
Dr. Charles Chmielewski has been appointed to conduct the evaluation, and the court also authorized the appointment of a forensic navigator to assist in coordinating services if necessary.
As part of the examination, the evaluator will have access to McLane’s medical, mental health, substance use, correctional, educational, and other treatment records. Court proceedings will remain suspended until the competency evaluation is completed.
It is important to note that a competency evaluation does not determine whether a defendant is guilty or innocent. Instead, it assesses whether the defendant is mentally capable of understanding the legal proceedings and assisting in their own defense.
Bail Remains at $1 Million
Despite the suspension of the criminal proceedings, McLane remains in custody under previously ordered bail conditions.
Court records show bail was set at:
- $1,000,000 without conditions
- $800,000 with conditions
If released, McLane would be required to obey all laws, abstain from alcohol and controlled substances, submit to random testing, participate in pretrial supervision, remain at least 500 feet away from the group home where the killing occurred, and obtain court approval before leaving Minnesota.
Defense Requests New Judge
On July 2, McLane’s attorney filed a Notice to Remove Judicial Officer, requesting that the case be reassigned to another judge. Under Minnesota criminal procedure rules, parties are permitted to seek removal of a judge under certain circumstances. The filing does not specify a reason for the request.
Case Remains Pending
The case remains active in Stearns County District Court. McLane’s next court appearance is currently scheduled for August 3, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.
As with all criminal cases, McLane is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Credit: Minnesota now
