Suspect Arrested for Idaho Falls Park Stabbing

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KTVB) – Police in Idaho Falls say they have arrested an 18-year-old man in connection with homicide at a local park last weekend.

Brian J. Mitchell of Shelley was booked into the Bonneville County Jail early Thursday morning on a charge of second-degree murder. Deraek Patrick Larson, 31, was found stabbed to death around 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, in the playground area of Tautphaus Park. The initial reports of an autopsy conducted Monday indicate that Larson was stabbed more than 20 times.

"Thanks to the expertise, dedication and time of our detectives, patrol officers and department employees, with the assistance of other agencies, city departments and the community; we are able to make an arrest in the Larson homicide," Idaho Falls Police Chief Mark McBride said in a statement.

The Idaho Falls Police Department said detectives have worked tirelessly and long hours to identify and arrest a suspect. So far, about 527 hours has gone into the investigation, and that does not include other agencies. Although an arrest has been made, detectives are continuing their investigation.