Attempted murder case has Oct. 5 trial date

Judge David Lester has set an Oct. 5 trial date for James Naujock, a Spirit Lake man who faces a series of charges, including attempted murder and first-degree kidnapping, on suspicion the 39-year-old used a knife and fireplace poker to detain and injure a woman at their home in the 1400 block of Gary Avenue.

Naujock has entered a not guilty plea and previously reserved his right to a speedy trial. On Aug. 19, Naujock's attorney Pamela Wingert filed a request to delay the process while evidence is being reviewed.

Police were called to the residence Naujock shared with the victim at 12:40 a.m. Tuesday, July 27, after dispatchers couldn't maintain a conversation with a person who called 911 from the address.

The female victim was found with multiple wounds and was taken by ambulance to Lakes Regional Healthcare. She was then flown to a Sioux Falls, S.D., hospital. A protective order was filed on her behalf.

She has also filed a request to keep cameras out of the courtroom.

The first-degree kidnapping charge is a Class A felony; attempted murder is a Class B felony charge. An obstruction of emergency communications simple misdemeanor charge was filed on suspicion that Naujock prevented the victim from completing a call for help.

Naujock also was charged with willful injury and assault while participating in a felony, both Class C charges. Class D felony charges are domestic abuse assault and interference with official acts.

Some of the charges may carry enhanced penalties because records suggest Naujock has 1996 convictions of second-degree robbery, possession of a weapon as a felon and assault while participating in a felony from Clayton County, Iowa. He was convicted earlier that year for illegally carrying a concealed weapon in Oakland County, Mich., according to court records.