Stabbing victim in stable condition

Man accused of stabbing still incarcerated

By Kyle McClellan The Western News

LIBBY — Jason Switzer has improved to stable condition Monday more than a week after being stabbed in the side of the head with a screwdriver, according to an intensive care nurse at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

The screwdriver penetrated his left temporal lobe.

Switzer was in critical condition Thursday, May 17.

Kyle Nick, 20, is charged with aggravated assault and assault with a deadly weapon, both felonies. He is currently in Lincoln County jail with a $150,000 bond, according to Lincoln County Sheriff's Lt. Detective Jim Sweet.

The assault took place just after midnight on Saturday, May 12, near 1522 Dakota Ave. in Libby.

"There was no reason to believe it was premeditated," Sweet said. "The situation generated the emotions."

The situation allegedly involved alcohol and an ex-girlfriend.

Eric Madlin, Switzer's friend who was with him Saturday, told his mother Carol Camp that he, Switzer and an unidentified female were hanging out at Switzer's house after a party with friends.

"They had a great time. Everything was cool," Camp said.

See Stabbing on Page 3

The great time ended, according to Camp, when Switzer's ex-girlfriend drove to the house with Nick.

"There was a knock on the door. It was Jason's ex-girlfriend," Camp said. "She wanted to talk to Jason."

According to Camp, Switzer and his ex-girlfriend had been dating for six years in an on-again off-again manner.

At that point, the other female said she wanted to go home. Madlin offered to take her home. As the two walked out, they noticed Nick in the car.

Madlin told his mother that no one was fighting when he left with the female. He was gone for about 15 minutes.

"When he got back, police had just arrived and all hell had broken loose and Jason was already on the ground," Camp said.

Camp had also heard from her son that Nick previously threatened Switzer's life.

Nick went to his mother's house after the incident, Camp said. His mother claimed he acted in self defense.

Switzer's ex-girlfriend said that Switzer ran outside to confront Nick.

"Who knows what's true?" Camp said.

She does know that her son Eric was hit hard by the stabbing.

"He's scared about coming back here to a trial and having to live it all again."

"Jason was just trying to get his life back together. He was really proud of what he accomplished lately," Camp said.

"It's sad that all this crap has happened."