Judge sends Grand Island murder case to trial

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - A judge Tuesday found enough evidence to send a Grand Island murder case to trial.

Donald Anthony, 34, is charged with first degree murder, use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony and possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person. He’s accused of stabbing to death Said Abdullahi Farah, 30, of Grand Island, on Feb. 15.

Farah was found with a stab wound to his neck in a hallway at an apartment located at 303 South Pine Street.

On Tuesday, a judge found sufficient evidence to establish probable cause and sent the case to district court for trial.

According to Hall County Court documents, Anthony was seen arguing with Farah during the early morning of Tuesday, Feb. 15.

The arrest affidavit said an eye witness reported that Anthony approached Farah, punched and kicked him and knocked him to the ground. The person noted that Farah’s eyes were closed and he appeared helpless when the suspect placed a knife to Farah’s neck. The suspect then fled the area.

The affidavit goes on to say that witness interviews and area surveillance video corroborated the confidential eye witness’ statements.

Anthony was arrested three days later after a brief stand-off in St. Paul.

He’s scheduled for arraignment in Hall County district court February fifth. At an arraignment hearing a suspect hears the charges against him and enters a plea of guilty or not guilty.

The max penalty for a murder conviction is death. He could get up to 54 years in prison if convicted on the weapons charges.