Brandon Man Granted Bail After Hammer Attack on Roommate

UPDATE: A Brandon man accused of a shocking hammer attack on his roommate has been granted bail by the provincial court in Brandon, Manitoba. Arnaud Matabalo, aged 31, faced serious charges after allegedly striking his roommate in the head, resulting in significant injuries. This decision, made just today, raises immediate concerns about public safety.

The incident occurred on November 8, 2023, around 4 a.m., when police responded to a call regarding a violent altercation at a residence on 30th Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered a disturbing scene: “large trails of blood” led them to the basement where the injured roommate was found with visible wounds, including a large laceration to his head, which was covered in blood.

Crown attorney Sarah Kok described the situation as extremely serious, stating, “Attacking somebody with a hammer and causing serious injuries is obviously concerning.” Kok opposed Matabalo’s release, citing the potential risk to the public and the severity of the allegations. The roommate claimed Matabalo struck him with a hammer, leading to his hospitalization.

During the court proceedings, Judge Donovan Dvorak acknowledged the gravity of the charges but ultimately decided to grant bail, noting Matabalo’s clean criminal record. He stated, “There’s nothing showing me that the accused is likely to reoffend.” Matabalo was released on a $2,000 promise to pay, along with strict conditions that prohibit him from returning to his former residence or contacting his former roommates.

Matabalo’s defense lawyer, Dule Vicovac II, highlighted that Matabalo has more at stake than just these charges, as he is a permanent resident from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Vicovac emphasized the ongoing disputes about the events of that night, arguing that there are significant issues about who the true aggressor was.

As the case develops, the community remains on edge, grappling with the implications of such violence. Emergency services transported the injured man to the hospital, and the ongoing investigation aims to uncover the complete truth behind this alarming incident.

Authorities and community members alike are left questioning the safety and dynamics within shared living spaces. The outcome of this case will be closely monitored as further details emerge.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds.