ST. CLOUD -- A Waite Park man has admitted to trying to kill his wife. 43-year-old Joseph Benson pleaded guilty to first degree attempted murder stemming from the August 2011 incident.

Court records show the couple was having marital problems when Benson used a knife to attack his wife. She was eventually able to escape but suffered stab wounds to her neck, back, chest and hands.

Benson admitted in court he and his wife were having marital problems, that he used multiple knives to try to kill her and that the only reason she is still alive is because she was able to escape.

The plea agreement calls for Benson to be sentenced to 14-years and three months in prison.

Assistant Stearns County Attorney Joshua Kannegieter says Benson will be sentenced May 3, but has already been taken to prison to start serving his sentence.

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