BENTON – Following sentencing today in Marshall County Circuit Court, John Brumbalough will have the next 20 years of his life to think about the violent attack he waged on then 76 year-old Donnie ‘Bird Dog” Duke, who is also mentally handicapped, last year on August 19th.
According to police reports and court testimony, Brumbalough who was an acquaintance of Duke, had been allowed into his home after being told he needed to use the phone due to car trouble. Once inside the home and using a 12 inch kitchen knife concealed in his pocket, Brumbalough attacked Duke leaving severe lacerations on his throat and chest and causing bruising on his body during the scuffle. His stated purpose for the attack was to take money Duke had secured in a safe.
Authorities quickly identified their suspect using evidence from a surveillance video and made the arrest within hours of the incident.
Brumbalough was also facing charges in a separate case regarding possession of forged instruments relating to stolen checks from an area resort that had been forged and presented at financial institutions for payment in both Marshall and McCracken Counties.
Today he was found guilty of first-degree assault, first-degree burglary and two counts of possession of a forged instrument, second-degree. While each of the charges carried their own sentence time, all is set to run concurrent. Brumbalough will not be eligible for parole for a minimum of 17 years according to Assistant County Attorney Jason Darnall.
Circuit Court Judge Dennis Foust noted for the record that the victim, Donnie Duke, did receive significant injuries in the attack saying to the defendant, “You are lucky you are dealing with me,” adding that he could likely “retire” if he were to have “sold tickets to the people waiting in line” who would be all too eager to dole out their own sort of justice for Bumbalough’s actions.
Following the incident, there was an outpouring of support from the community for Duke with cards and well wishes being delivered daily to the man who was known best for his days spent biking up and down the streets of Benton on his trike with his bright orange flag sailing high.
Benton Police Officer Caleb Curtner, along with several other local members of law enforcement, checked in on Duke in the days and weeks following the incident, spending some quality time ensuring he felt safe in his home once again. Those closest to Duke say his familiar smile is back and his love of life and for people has been unwavering – despite the trauma he endured.