Two 18-Year-Olds Charged with Murder in Sioux City Stabbing

Court documents reveal details on the attack that left a 32-year-old man dead

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Two 18-year-olds, Imari Grant of Sioux City and Kaiden Montes of South Sioux City, have been charged with first-degree murder in connection with a fatal stabbing that took place on February 9th in an apartment complex in downtown Sioux City. According to court documents, the suspects allegedly attacked the 32-year-old victim, Maurice Grant, after being let into the secure apartment building.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of violent crime in Sioux City, particularly in the downtown area, and raises questions about security measures in apartment complexes and the factors that may have led to this tragic incident.

The details

Court documents state that Montes received a text from a friend, Kayleigh White, asking him to come to the apartment where the victim, Maurice Grant, was present. White and Montes reportedly discussed a plan to assault Grant earlier that morning. Surveillance video shows Montes and Imari Grant entering the apartment, where they allegedly began punching the victim and throwing chairs at him while using slurs. Montes is accused of striking Grant in the chest with his arm, causing him to fall to the couch. The suspects then fled the apartment, and Grant collapsed on the floor, where he laid for about an hour before being found and pronounced dead at the scene.

  • The stabbing incident occurred on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • Imari Grant and Kaiden Montes were arrested on warrants the following day, Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Imari Grant

An 18-year-old resident of Sioux City who was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the stabbing.

Kaiden Montes

An 18-year-old resident of South Sioux City who was also charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing incident.

Maurice Grant

A 32-year-old man who was the victim of the fatal stabbing and was reportedly a transient at the time of the incident.

Kayleigh White

A friend of Kaiden Montes who reportedly had an on-again, off-again relationship with the victim, Maurice Grant, and allegedly texted Montes to come to the apartment where Grant was present.

Sgt. Tom Gill

A sergeant with the Sioux City Police Department who provided details on the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Neither of the suspects, Imari Grant or Kaiden Montes, lived at the apartment at the time.”

— Sgt. Tom Gill, Sioux City Police Department (ktiv.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Imari Grant and Kaiden Montes to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for improved security measures and community-based solutions to address the root causes of violence in Sioux City's downtown area, as well as the importance of addressing domestic disputes and interpersonal conflicts before they escalate to deadly outcomes.