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Bluffs man evades attempted murder conviction – jury gives lesser sentence

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July 9th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

According to the Daily NonPareil, a jury of six men and six women earlier this week found a Council Bluffs man guilty of willful injury causing serious injury, assault with intent to cause serious injury and criminal trespass. Christopher McNeal, Tuesday night, avoided an attempted murder conviction in connection with an incident that took place Feb. 22nd. McNeal faces up to 10 years in prison. The willful injury conviction carries a weapons enhancement that includes a five-year mandatory minimum sentence.

The 54-year old McNeal had been charged with attempted murder, first-degree burglary and willful injury causing serious injury. According to testimony, a then-48-year-old man had been working in a garage in the 1700 Block of Avenue G when McNeal entered and asked to use some tools to work on something. The man didn’t own the garage and had been asked by the owner, Paul Aleksiak, not to let anyone else in the garage, so the man – who is now 49 – asked McNeal to leave. An argument ensued, and McNeal allegedly hit the man in the head with a sledgehammer.

Police eventually arrested McNeal after interviews with the alleged victim and suspect, though the weapon was never found.