Matthew P. Jaeger, 22, is charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated battery, aggravated burglary and making criminal threats

Prosecutors describe it as one of the most horrific crimes they’ve seen.

A Kansas University senior, trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, is accused of attacking a female acquaintance so brutally that more than 24 hours later doctors still don’t know the extent of her injuries.

“This is extraordinarily horrific. The wounds are extraordinarily terrible,” Assistant District Attorney Dave Melton told a judge Wednesday afternoon during the suspect’s first court appearance.

Matthew P. Jaeger, 22, is charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated battery, aggravated burglary and making criminal threats.

The charges stem from an incident reported about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday at North Winds Apartments in the 1200 block of George Court.

Lawrence police have said only that they were called to the area by witnesses who reported a “disturbance.” Police have refused to release any additional information.

But in an unusual move, nearly every member of the Lawrence Police Department’s detective unit filled the courtroom Wednesday.

Melton said the man is accused of breaking into an apartment on George Court. He told the judge the defendant fled the scene, holding the woman captive in a car.

Melton then showed the judge numerous weapons the prosecutor said were found either on the suspect or in the vehicle. The weapons included an ax and a unique type of folding knife used in martial arts, that Melton said could essentially be used as “brass knuckles.”

Prosecutors also presented the judge with pictures depicting the victim’s injuries, which he described as severe. He said the victim already has undergone two surgeries at Lawrence Memorial Hospital and faces more.

Melton asked the judge to set a high bond in the case because of the “horrible brutality of the offense.”

He also argued Jaeger has no ties to the community, making him a flight risk. Melton said Jaeger has been known to travel to Israel and Brazil in the past, and the district attorney’s office is worried that, if released, he could flee the country.

“The victim is terrified of the suspect in this case,” Melton said. “She’s terrified he will do further harm, if not kill her.”

Judge Stephen Six set Jaeger’s bond at $850,000. He also ordered him to surrender his passport and any weapons if he’s able to post bond. In addition, the judge ordered Jaeger to have no contact with the victim, including e-mails, text messages or other forms of communication initiated by him or anyone on his behalf.

Jaeger’s next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 23, at which time the judge ordered him to appear with his attorney.

Jaeger, wearing a green jumpsuit, appeared before the judge via camera from the Douglas County Jail. He said very little during the half-hour hearing.

But he did tell the judge: “I think a lot of this could just be a big misunderstanding.”