Neighbor’s Digital Alibi Exposes Alleged Fabricated Knife Attack, Leads To Felony Charge
- John Eads
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
FOLEY, Mo. — A reported backyard ambush involving allegations of choking, death threats and a utility knife began to unravel after timestamped video placed the accused neighbor miles away in Wright City during the alleged attack.
Elizabeth Maria Ann Kern, of Foley, Mo.
Charges:
First-Degree Harassment — Class E Felony
Making A False Declaration — Class B Misdemeanor
Making A False Report — Class B Misdemeanor
The charges stem from a report made Saturday, Jan. 10, after a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a local hospital to speak with Kern about an alleged assault earlier that evening.
Kern reported that her next-door neighbor approached her from behind on the patio outside her residence, choked her and threatened to kill and sexually assault her. She alleged the man held a utility knife against her neck, repeatedly cut and kicked her and fled into nearby woods when a friend intervened.
Kern told law enforcement she did not immediately call 911 because an officer had previously warned her about the consequences of making false reports. She also said her doorbell camera was not working because of the extreme cold.
As the investigation continued, several details appeared inconsistent with Kern’s account.
Residents in the area reported hearing or seeing no signs of an altercation, while the patio furniture remained undisturbed. Deputies also observed multiple Ring and exterior surveillance cameras at Kern’s residence despite her statement that the security system was not working.
Investigators later located the accused neighbor at his father’s residence in Wright City. The man denied the allegations and said Kern had repeatedly made unfounded reports involving him and caused disturbances against the wall shared by their neighboring residences.
The investigation shifted after the neighbor voluntarily provided timestamped cellphone video and interior surveillance footage documenting his whereabouts during the reported attack.
The recordings placed the man at his father’s apartment in Wright City during the timeframe Kern provided. Additional footage showed him remaining inside the apartment, playing video games and watching television beyond the time of the alleged attack. A relative who was present also corroborated his whereabouts.
Investigators contacted Kern again Jan. 15 for a follow-up interview. During the conversation, Kern said she no longer wanted to pursue charges and planned to move from the residence.
When questioned further about the timeline and details of the alleged knife attack, Kern said the incident happened quickly, it was dark outside and she was no longer completely certain her neighbor was the person involved. She later declined to meet with investigators for an additional interview.
Following the investigation, authorities determined the reported physical assault had not occurred and submitted the case to the Lincoln County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review.
A warrant was later issued, leading to Kern’s arrest and booking into the Lincoln County Jail.
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Primary Sources
Probable cause statement
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
Missouri State Highway Patrol
Court records
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