OTTUMWA, Iowa (KCRG) - A judge found Joshua Michael not guilty of first-degree murder Monday in connection to the death of an Ottumwa man.

Joshua Michael was charged with first-degree murder for a 2024 stabbing in Foster park that killed 40-year-old Jeffrey Johns. A criminal complaint says Michael stabbed Johns in the chest. Johns later died at the hospital.

Michael requested a bench trial that was held in September, meaning a judge decided the verdict instead of a jury. His attorneys argued self-defense for the murder.

Michael was also charged in connection with a home break-in. Ottumwa Police say Michael broke into a home in May of 2024 and attacked the man inside. A trial in that case is currently set for December 9th.

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