PHOENIX — An Arizona man was recently sentenced to 18 years in prison for attempted murder in a 2021 throat-slashing attack, authorities announced.
James Robert Patton, 35, of Spring Valley, was previously convicted of one count of attempted second-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault, according to the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office. He could have been sentenced to at least seven years in prison.
“This kind of violence has no place in our society,” County Attorney Dennis McGlenn said in a statement. “My office will aggressively prosecute those who commit violent crimes and seek long prison sentences in these cases.”
Here's what prosecutors say Patton did in 2021
According to prosecutors, Patton entered the victim's home in August 2021 and stabbed her multiple times, including seriously injuring her throat.
Prosecutors said the victim alerted her 15-year-old daughter, who was able to seek help from law enforcement. He then identified Patton as his attacker.
The search for Patton took place in a remote desert area near Lake Cordes, and Patton finally surrendered to police four days after the attack.
Clothing and other evidence containing the victim's and Patton's DNA was also found in the same desert area.
