Faribault Man’s Accused Killer Ruled Competent to Stand Trial

Burnsville, MN (KROC-AM News) - A man accused of murdering a Faribault man last year has been found competent to stand trial in the case.

Court documents say 21-year-old Michael Lual Nhial was charged last August with second-degree murder in connection with the death of 59-year-old David Stewart Chant. The victim was found by his mother at Interlachen Park in Burnsville on the morning of May 3 last year.

Beaten To Death in Park

According to the criminal complaint, Chant was discovered on the ground suffering from a severe head injury, partially underneath a picnic table. Walking sticks belonging to the victim were found broken and bent near his body, and a pair of shoes containing blood evidence was recovered from a nearby portable toilet. Forensic testing determined the blood belonged to the victim.

READ MORE:  Suspect in Murder of Faribault Man Charged

Surveillance and Audio Evidence

The court document says investigators reviewed surveillance video from multiple cameras in the area. One video showed Nhial walking around the underground parking garage at his apartment complex wearing shoes matching the pair found at the crime scene. Other surveillance cameras recorded video of Nhial at different locations near the park wearing the same shoes.

Another video, recorded in the area of the park where the murder occurred, includes audio of two distinct voices arguing, followed by thumping sounds. The criminal complaint says a voice, believed to be the victim’s, is heard saying, “Give me my cane back,” followed by more sounds of hitting, slapping, and arguing. The recording also captured the sound of a portable toilet door slamming.

Statements Made in Jail Call

The court document indicates Nhial was later arrested and charged in a separate criminal case. In a recorded jail call, Nhial told someone that he knocked out a person at the park the weekend before he was arrested.

Get our free mobile app

With the competency ruling clearing the way for prosecution, Nhial is scheduled to appear at an evidentiary hearing in Dakota County Court in April. He is currently in custody at the Dakota County Jail with conditional bail set at $1 million.