Drug use allegedly fueled stabbing in Boise home

Michael R. Downs was under a methamphetamine-induced psychosis when he stabbed his friend, a prosecutor said during an arraignment hearing Wednesday.

Downs, 25, had recently been released from a mental health confinement and was taking drugs, his mother told authorities, Deputy Ada County Prosecutor Elizabeth Sonnichsen said.

The stabbing took place early Tuesday in a Foothills home near the intersection of Windsong Drive and Toluka Way that is owned by Downs’ parents. Downs and a man described as his friend got into an argument just before 5 a.m. and Downs stabbed him with an 8-inch kitchen knife, Sonnichsen said.

“The defendant admitted stabbing his friend for a variety of reasons,” Sonnichsen said, without elaborating.

A large amount of blood was found in the living room and hallway of the home, where Downs also resided. The bloody knife was found on a table next to the kitchen.

Downs was outside the house smoking a cigarette when Boise police officers arrived. They were summoned by Downs’ mother.

The victim, who has not been publicly identified, was taken to a local hospital by Downs’ father. He was admitted with life-threatening injuries, police said.

The victim remained hospitalized on Wednesday. Boise police did not have an update on his condition, spokesman Ryan Larrondo said.

Ada County Magistrate James Cawthon set bail at $35,000. Sonnichsen had asked for $200,000 bail, while defense attorney Annie McDevitt sought bail of $35,000.

Downs was released from prison in July, after serving two years following a 2011 felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance. He took part in drug court and a prison-based treatment program that could have led to an early release. The judge in the case, after reviewing Downs’ progress, later sentenced him to fulfill his original sentence, up to 5 years in prison.

He was also convicted in 2010 of misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance.

Cawthon ordered Downs to undergo monitoring by the Ada County Sheriff’s Office if he posts bail. The judge also told Downs he would be subject to random drug monitoring.

He is scheduled to return to court Jan. 20 for a preliminary hearing before Magistrate Michael Oths.

This story was originally published January 6, 2016 at 3:15 PM with the headline "Drug use allegedly fueled stabbing in Boise home."