The third of three men involved in the January stabbing of an Atlantic man was sentenced in Cass County District Court to not more than 5-years in prison, today (Monday).

Bryce Baker

18-year old Bryce Baker pled guilty to an amended charge of Willful Injury in the stabbing of 43-year old Robert Leslie. The incident occurred January 28^th.

Judge Richard Davidson ordered Baker to pay restitution to the victim, attorney’s fees and related court costs.  He is also required to have no contact with Leslie. The man was remanded to the custody of the Department of Corrections, with Mittimus to be issued immediately, and credit for time served. His sentenced was NOT suspended. Baker had requested probation and a suspended sentence, but the State, represented by Cass County Attorney Dan Feistner, agreed to go along with what the pre-sentence investigation recommended, which ended up being a prison sentence, which was recommended by the Department of Corrections

During his sentencing, Baker’s attorney Jay Mez said his client was dating Robert Leslie’s daughter.

He  said Leslie did not agree with the relationship, and the altercation took place when Baker went to Leslie’s home to “settle things.” Baker told the judge that the stabbing occurred out of self defense because Leslie had a weapon. He said he used a pocket knife to protect himself. 

Two others involved in the altercation, 21-year-old Austin Nelson and 23-year-old Mykel Thoren, were with Accessory after the Fact and received two-year suspended prison sentences.