Ira Twp. man charged following Saturday's fatal stabbing

An Ira Township man was arraigned on charges after a 77-year-old woman was found stabbed to death in a home on Shortcut Road in Ira Township Saturday.

Stephen Gerard Traskal is facing charges of open murder, assault with intent to murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. 

Traskal is being held on a $750,000 bond. He faces up to life in prison if convicted of open murder.

At approximately 8 p.m. Saturday, Clay Township Police Department and state troopers responded to the 8500 block of Short Cut Road for a report of a stabbing.

Upon arrival, officers located a 54-year-old man lying in the yard of the residence. While tending to the victim, officers were advised that the suspect and another victim were in the residence.

Inside, officers located a 77-year-old woman who had died as a result of injuries. Clay Township Police Chief Michael Koach identified the woman as Carlene Nowlin. The other victim was her son.

Traskal was taken into custody without incident. During a police interview, Traskal said he had lived in the home for 20 years, St. Clair County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Paul Soderberg said during the arraignment. 

Traskal's probable cause hearing will be held at 9 a.m. Aug. 25 in front of St. Clair County District Court Judge Michael Hulewicz, and a preliminary exam is set for 9:30 a.m. Sept. 1.

Traskal did not have a lawyer listed as of Monday afternoon. 

Contact Brian Wells at (810) 357-8668 or bwells@gannett.com.