Child Stabs Mother's Attacker During Violent Domestic Assault

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A 32-year-old Fort Madison man, Jacob Anthony Haage, has been jailed for domestic abuse after a minor child stabbed him to prevent him from choking their mother. The Lee County Attorney's Office has ruled the stabbing an act of self-defense, confirming that no charges will be filed against the child for protecting their parent.

Why it matters

This case highlights the legal principle of 'Defense of Others,' which allows a third party to use reasonable force, even deadly force, if they believe it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm to someone else. Domestic violence situations are among the most volatile and dangerous environments for both victims and those attempting to intervene.

The details

According to criminal complaints, Haage had returned home from work and began drinking heavily before a verbal argument turned physical. After an initial altercation that led to a trip to the emergency room for a hand injury, Haage reportedly became belligerent, punching the victim in the face and later pinning her to a bed while choking her. During the assault, the victim's child intervened, stabbing Haage with a knife to stop the attack.

• On February 8, 2026, Fort Madison police were called to a residence on the 3000 block of Avenue J following reports of a violent domestic disturbance.
• On Thursday, the Lee County Attorney's Office issued a press release officially announcing that the child's actions were a justified use of force in defense of another.

What’s next

A preliminary hearing for the case is scheduled for Monday, February 23, at the North Lee County Courthouse.