Howard County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Suspect in Stabbing Incident, Victim in Critical Condition
KOKOMO, Ind. – August 16, 2025 — A violent stabbing in rural Howard County has left a Kokomo man in critical condition and another man behind bars facing attempted murder charges.
At approximately 5:13 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, deputies from the Howard County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 600 South block of County Road 750 West following a 911 call reporting a stabbing. When deputies arrived, they found Derek Wheeler, 35, of Kokomo, suffering from a large and severe laceration wound to his abdomen.
Emergency responders from Community Howard Ambulance and Russiaville Ambulance provided immediate medical care. Wheeler was initially transported to Community Howard Hospital before being airlifted to a hospital in Fort Wayne for specialized treatment. He remains in critical condition.
Detectives with the Howard County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation at the scene. After gathering evidence and conducting interviews, investigators quickly identified James I. Hampton, 54, of Kokomo, as the primary suspect.
The following day, Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 12:11 p.m., deputies executed a search warrant in the 300 block of Branded Boulevard. With assistance from the Howard County Sheriff’s SWAT team, Hampton was taken into custody without incident at 12:27 p.m. He has since been booked into the Howard County Jail on a preliminary charge of Attempted Murder, a Level 1 Felony.
The Howard County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that this remains an active investigation and additional charges may follow pending the outcome of further forensic and witness analysis. Authorities have not released information about the motive behind the stabbing or whether Hampton and Wheeler were acquainted.
Sheriff’s officials extended gratitude to local emergency medical teams and law enforcement partners for their swift response, which ensured that Wheeler was stabilized and that the suspect was safely apprehended.
Community members are encouraged to come forward with any information that may aid detectives in the ongoing investigation. Those with knowledge can reach out to Detective Scott Waymire by email at scott.waymire@howardcountyin.gov or by phone at (765) 456-2020.
The stabbing has shocked the Kokomo community, with residents expressing concern over the violent nature of the incident. As Wheeler continues to fight for his life, family, friends, and neighbors are rallying for his recovery while justice is sought through the legal system.
