Missoula Police Arrest Woman for Stabbing Her Sister

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Shortly after midnight on July 22, 2024, Missoula Police Department officers were dispatched to a reported assault in the area of South 4th Street and Gerald Avenue. When officers arrived, they found a female lying on her back in the street. There was a pool of blood developing under her right side and she was actively bleeding from a wound on her right arm. Officers utilized a tourniquet to attempt to stop the bleeding.  

The female was identified as Jane Doe. Jane Doe stated that her sister, 21-year-old Aleata Scheaffer, had attacked her. Scheaffer was reported as having fled the scene wearing a blue hoodie with a yin-yang on it. Also on scene was a male, John Doe, who stated that he had taken control of a knife that had been used in the incident. He provided officers with a black folding Kershaw knife. Jane Doe was transported to St. Patrick’s Hospital due to her injuries. 

An officer located a female matching the provided description near the river trail close by. She was wearing a blue hoodie with a yin-yang on it that was covered in fresh, wet blood that was soaking her clothes. The female was identified as Aleata Scheaffer. Scheaffer appeared to be highly intoxicated, as she was swaying, smelled heavily of alcoholic beverages, and was very escalated. Scheaffer was transported to St. Patrick’s Hospital to be cleared for incarceration. 

Jane Doe Explains What Happened 

An officer went to St. Patrick’s Hospital to speak with Jane Doe. Upon arrival, the officer was informed that Jane Doe was in surgery. The officer returned to the hospital around 4:00 a.m. and was able to speak with Jane Doe.  

According to court documents, Jane Doe stated that she was sitting on a bench with John Doe when her sister, Scheaffer, stood up and was standing in front of them. Scheaffer grew escalated, pulled out a black folding-style hunting knife, and began to threaten Jane Doe and John Doe. Scheaffer pointed the knife at Jane Doe, and Jane Doe stated that she felt like she needed to protect herself and John Doe from attack with the knife.  

Jane Doe stood up and pushed Scheaffer back to protect herself and John Doe. Scheaffer then ran at Jane Doe with the knife open in her hand and the blade out. Jane Doe stated that she stopped Scheaffer by grabbing onto her and tripping her.  

At some point, both Jane Doe and Schaeffer ended up in a struggle on the ground. Jane Doe was able to grab hold of the knife and held it to Scheaffer’s chest. Scheaffer then bit Jane Doe. The officer observed an obvious bite mark injury with visible bruises and swelling on Doe’s right arm. Jane Doe then let go of the knife, and Scheaffer drove the knife at her stabbing Doe deeply in her right arm. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

At this point, John Doe was able to get in between the two females and gain control of the knife. John Doe then helped Jane Doe to her feet and they began to walk towards 4th Street. Scheaffer followed them for a short time, but when other people showed up, she fled. 

After Scheaffer was cleared at the hospital, she was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. She is currently being charged with two counts of felony assault with a weapon and PFMA first offense. 

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.