Iowa man convicted of stabbing his girlfriend to death

DES MOINES, Iowa (TCN) — A 59-year-old man was recently convicted of fatally stabbing his 53-year-old girlfriend last year.

A Polk County jury found Walter Bickham guilty on July 31 of second-degree murder in connection with the death of Suzette Gums. The defendant is set to be sentenced on Sept. 12 and faces up to 50 years behind bars.

According to the Polk County Attorney’s Office, on Sept. 18, 2024, Bickham stabbed his girlfriend, Gums, at the home where she was living at the time. Surveillance cameras reportedly captured Gums and Bickham arguing the day before the fatal attack. Gums allegedly told Bickham to leave during their altercations, but he refused.

Bickham reportedly held a Bowie knife while he was with Gums. According to prosecutors, “While the arguing escalated when the two were off-camera, Mr. Bickham stabbed Ms. Gums in the lower right leg, forensic evidence showed.”

The owner of the residence found Gums shortly after the stabbing and called law enforcement. The victim died from the blood loss.

The attorney’s office said Bickham claimed he took the weapon away from Gums, but “while he held it, she kicked and struck the knife, causing the wound.”

MORE: