Washington County Jail Booking Photo
Published: October 20th 2026.
FOREST LAKE MN - A 78-year-old Forest Lake woman has been charged with felony third-degree assault after allegedly stabbing a man she lived with during a confrontation at their apartment on October 16, 2026, according to a criminal complaint filed in Washington County District Court.
Judith Ann Hanzal, born December 26, 1947, is accused of stabbing the man in his left arm with a butcher knife, resulting in an injury that required stitches.
According to the criminal complaint, Forest Lake police responded to an assault report after a man called to report that he had been stabbed at his apartment.
The man told responding officers that Hanzal, whom he lived with and described as an intimate partner, had stabbed him in the bedroom of their apartment. He also alleged that Hanzal slashed one of his bicycle tires.
The man told investigators that the confrontation began after Hanzal became upset about him talking to and spending time with other women.
According to the complaint, the man drove himself to M Health in Wyoming, Minnesota, for medical treatment. He told officers he believed he had received three or four stitches. Investigators reported observing a stab wound on his left bicep that had been closed with three stitches.
Officers subsequently went to the apartment and spoke with Hanzal. During their investigation, officers observed a black-handled butcher knife on the floor next to a bicycle.
According to the complaint, Hanzal admitted to stabbing the man, telling officers, "I stabbed him."
When explaining her actions, Hanzal allegedly told officers she stabbed him "because I hate him, because of what he did to me."
Hanzal has been charged with one felony count of third-degree assault involving substantial bodily harm under Minnesota Statute 609.223, subdivision 1.
If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
The allegations are based on the statement of probable cause contained in the Washington County criminal complaint. Hanzal is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Source: Washington County District Court criminal complaint.