August 6, 2026 – West Bend, Wi – A Washington County jury this week convicted Melvin R. Hintson Reed of Attempted First Degree Intentional Homicide with a Dangerous Weapon and Physical Abuse of a Child Recklessly Cause Bodily Harm by Conduct Which Creates a High Probability of Great Bodily Harm with a Dangerous Weapon.
The convictions stem from a June 15, 2025, attack in which the defendant stabbed the adult female victim numerous times with a knife, including a near fatal stab to the chest causing a laceration to the victim’s heart. During the attack, the adult female victim’s juvenile daughter attempted to stop the defendant and placed herself between the defendant and the adult female victim in an attempt to prevent the defendant from stabbing her mother.
The defendant struck the juvenile female victim in the hand with the knife while he was continuing to stab the adult female victim. After committing the crimes in the Village of Germantown, the defendant was located by law enforcement in the State of Indiana, where he fled from Indiana law enforcement in a semi-truck before driving off a bridge.
The defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 53 years of initial prison confinement. The sentencing date is scheduled for October 16, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.before Reserve Judge Paul V. Malloy.
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“This case reflects both the horror of extreme violence and the extraordinary strength of the human spirit. The adult female victim’s remarkable resilience and will to survive combined with the quick thinking and heroic bravery of her daughter, undoubtedly saved a life that day. The daughter acted with incredible courage under unthinkable pressure, placing herself in harm’s way to protect her mother. My office commends both of them for their strength, and we remain fully committed to holding this defendant and all violent offenders accountable for their horrific crimes,” said District Attorney Braatz.
This case was investigated by the Village of Germantown, led by Detective Shaun Whealon, with assistance from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and City of Gary Police Department (IN). This case was prosecuted by District Attorney Barry J. Braatz and Assistant District Attorney Nikole M. Kane.
