Dexter stabbing suspect pleads guilty

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- According to the Dexter Daily Statesman, a Dexter man has plead guilty to second-degree assault for his part in the stabbing of another Dexter man. According to Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Briney Welborn, 27-year-old Michael Atkins plead guilty during his arraignment Thursday. He was previously charged with first-degree armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon. Presiding Circuit Judge Stephen R. Sharp ordered that a pre-sentence investigation be conducted by the Missouri Board of Probation and Parole and set Atkins' sentencing date for Feb. 6. The charges against Atkins stem from an altercation in which another Dexter man was stabbed in early December.