Published: June 23, 2008 08:59 am      

Stabbing victim’s condition improves, relative says

By Lacie Morrison
lmorrison@mineralwellsindex.com

GRAFORD – A Graford woman reportedly stabbed by her spouse is doing better but remains in the intensive care unit of a Fort Worth hospital, according to her family.

Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s deputies discovered Melissa Stewart, 50, and Stacey Ray Stewart seriously injured on June 17th at a residence in the 2500 block of State Highway 254, west of Graford.

Authorities reported the two people sustained knife wounds to their torsos and were flown by air ambulance to Fort Worth hospitals. Palo Pinto County Sheriff Ira Mercer told the Index Wednesday the two told authorities the altercation was between them and large kitchen knives were recovered at the scene.

Melissa Stewart’s daughter, Bambi Hanna, gave the Index an update on her mother.

“She’s doing a lot better but she’s still in ICU,” Hanna said. “She had major surgery and lost a kidney. She lost half of her blood. She came off the ventilator [Thursday] and she’s breathing on her own.”

According to Stewart’s family, an account was established for Melissa Stewart at the First State Bank of Mineral Wells. Stewart didn’t have insurance, the family said.

Hanna said the account is listed under “Melissa Stewart Recovery Fund.” Donations can also be mailed to the bank in Graford at 1404 Park Road 36, Graford, TX 76449.

An update on Stacey Stewart’s condition was unavailable Friday from official sources.