Man Held in Stabbing of Ex-Wife’s Friend

A man wearing blood-stained clothing was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder Thursday in connection with the stabbing of his ex-wife’s boyfriend, Simi Valley police said.

Police arrested 24-year-old Doug Lemming about 10 a.m. after a couple who live in a nearby house came home to discover him standing in their dining room, police said. The man held Lemming at gunpoint while his wife called police, authorities said.

Lemming is suspected of stabbing James Jones, also 24, multiple times shortly before 5 a.m. Thursday, police said. Jones was in fair condition at Simi Valley Hospital, a hospital spokeswoman said.

The stabbing occurred in front of the house where Lemming’s ex-wife, Myrel Lemming, lives in the 4000 block of Gertrude Street, police said.

Police said that after the confrontation, Lemming fled the scene, going to another house in the neighborhood. Police were investigating how he gained entry into the house. Lemming apparently stayed there until he was discovered by the occupants when they returned home, the spokesman said.

Lemming was booked into Ventura County Jail, a jail spokesman said. Bail was set at $250,000.