Ronald Dunbar, a Lombard man facing first-degree murder charges in the 2021 stabbing death of Karl Bomba outside an Elmhurst bar, took the stand in his defense. Dunbar, on trial in DuPage County, testified that he feared for his life during a confrontation with Bomba and was acting in self-defense when he stabbed him. The incident occurred after Bomba and his brother were ejected from the Spring Inn, leading to a series of escalating events that culminated in the fatal stabbing.
Photo from: ABC57
Fear for Life and Self-Defense
Dunbar testified that he was afraid for his life during the encounter with Karl Bomba outside the Spring Inn. He claimed that he believed Bomba, who had been ejected from the bar, would have killed him in a fistfight. Dunbar asserted that he acted in self-defense when he stabbed Bomba once in the chest.
The confrontation began when Bomba and his brother were asked to leave the bar due to a dispute about mask-wearing and disruptive behavior. Dunbar assisted in removing them from the premises. Subsequent actions, including pounding on the glass door, breaking a window, and attempting to assault the bartender, led to a heightened state of tension.
Dunbar expressed that despite being scared, he wanted to ensure the Bomba brothers were caught for the damage they caused to the bar. He decided to go outside with a friend to capture their license plate number. The escalating situation prompted Dunbar to take his knife out for self-protection.
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Defensive Actions
As Bomba approached them aggressively, Dunbar recounted opening his knife and holding it out in front of himself. He stated that he believed displaying the knife would be more effective in deterring an attack. Dunbar described blocking a punch from Bomba with his right arm, fearing that Bomba intended to harm or kill them.
After the confrontation, Dunbar went home, noticing a “minuscule” amount of blood on the blade. He assumed he had nicked or grazed Bomba. Despite the fatal outcome, Dunbar washed the blood off the blade. The trial will continue with closing arguments, providing both the prosecution and defense an opportunity to present their final statements.
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