Judge revokes bond for former Michelin-starred chef accused of attempted murder

A judge has revoked bond for Jacob Bickelhaupt, a chef accused of attempted murder. 

Jacob Bickelhaupt, 41 is the former owner and chef of Konro in West Palm Beach, Florida, and previously co-owned 42 Grams, a two Michelin Star restaurant in Chicago that closed in 2017 after he pleaded guilty to domestic battery. 

After relocating to West Palm Beach in 2022 and opening Konro, he earned a Michelin star in April 2025.

Konro has now been stripped of its star and permanently closed following the incident.

According to WPEC West Palm Beach, Mr Bickelhaupt was arrested on June 2 earlier this year following allegations of aggravated battery causing bodily harm or disability and battery causing bodily harm after a violent two-hour attack on a woman, resulting in severe facial injuries and a subdural hematoma requiring emergency surgery.

Initially charged with aggravated battery and battery causing bodily harm, Mr Bickelhaupt now faces upgraded charges of attempted second degree murder and false imprisonment.

Read more: Michelin-starred chef accused of attempted murder

Request revoked

The Palm Beach County judge has now revoked the request following reports that Mr Bickelhaupt contacted the victim via voicemails asking her to pay the $90,000 bond. 

Nadia and Jacob both co-owned Konro, Jacob called Konro and asked Nadia for money to pay the bond money.

According to a probable cause affidavit from the court, the voicemail said: "This is Jacob, if you haven't given up on me please call the public defender.

"I love you so much, I don't know what to say, I don't have much time. Again, call the public defender and tell them you don't want an order of no contact.. I have nowhere to stay, nowhere to sleep. I need your help."

According to Orlando Sentinel, it was also reported that Mr Bickelhaupt's father, Jerry and his father's girlfriend also testified on his behalf, saying he was not a violent person and needs to be released in order to take care of his father in Wisconsin.

Assistant State Attorney Victoria Thacker argued that nothing in Mr Bickelhaupt’s circumstances had changed since his bond was initially revoked and that he had clearly intended to speak to the victim when he called the restaurant. It was also mentioned that it was“convenient” that he now wants to take care of his father when he had not done so before.

Judge Rowe sided with the prosecution, she said: “The Court empathises with Mr. Bickelhaupt Senior’s medical condition. However, the Court finds there’s no change in circumstances to revisit the bond that was revoked.”

The trial continues.