Fatal Stabbing at Residence Inn

On Monday, April 5, 2021, at 12:01 a.m., the City’s Joint Communications Agency received a 911 call indicating that an individual had been stabbed in a guest room at the Residence Inn, 1900 Dodge Street NE.  Police officers and first responders arrived on scene to find a 33-year old male who had sustained a stab wound to the upper torso.  Emergency medical care was administered on scene, however the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.    

A suspect, identified as Victoriano Dias-Barrera, DOB/08-30-1981, age 39, was detained and, after consultation with the Linn County Attorney’s Office, was arrested for Murder-1^st Degree, Going Armed with Intent, and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.  He has been subsequently transferred to the Linn County Correctional Center. 

Based on the preliminary investigation, several individuals were in the room at the time of the stabbing.  A verbal argument ensued between the victim and suspect prior to the stabbing.  Both the victim and the suspect were known to one another. 

Another individual at the scene, identified as Anthony Diaz, DOB/07-17-1991, age 29, was arrested on a murder warrant from Texas. He was transported to the Linn County Correctional Center.  

The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of family members.   

There is still an ongoing investigation, therefore additional details are unavailable at this time.

Disclaimer:  Any arrest and complaint information included above is based on the legal conclusion that, as with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.