A man from Oregon has been sentenced to over two decades in prison following a violent attack on his wife, committed while he was out on bond for an earlier domestic violence charge involving her strangulation. Mark Fox, aged 54, received a sentence of 20 years and one month after admitting to charges that include second-degree attempted murder, first-degree aggravated assault, and aggravated animal abuse. This information was shared by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office in a press release, as reported by Law & Crime.

The incident escalated on October 9, 2023, when the victim reached out to a friend, expressing fear over her estranged husband’s drunken and increasingly aggressive behavior. In response, the friend alerted the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Upon arriving at her residence, the authorities discovered the woman visibly shaking and bearing bruises across her body.

Prosecutors detailed the victim’s account, stating that Fox had held her so tightly that she struggled to breathe. Following this, Fox was taken into custody on several charges related to domestic violence, including strangulation, assault, and inhibiting a report by unlawfully using a weapon.

Initially, the state advocated for a $25,000 bond; however, a judge opted to release Fox with a “no contact” order in place. Additionally, the victim secured a restraining order against him, underscoring the severity of the situation and the ongoing concerns for her safety.

Fox was arrested on various domestic violence-related crimes including strangulation, assault and unlawful use of a weapon interfering with making a report. The state requested bond be set at $25,000 but a judge instead released him with a “no contact” order. The victim also obtained a restraining order.

But nearly a month later, on Nov. 8, 2023, Fox again attacked his wife. Deputies again responded to the home, and this time they found her in the driveway with several stab wounds throughout her body. The victim told cops she was talking on the phone when Fox burst into the home and went after her, claiming that he wasn’t going to prison.

“Victim’s mother heard the confrontation over the phone, and she called 911 after hearing her daughter yell ‘Stop! Stop!’ while defendant’s voice could be heard saying ‘Why did you do this to me?’” prosecutors wrote.

The defendant came prepared to inflict major harm. He had duct tape, zip ties and a hunting knife, using the items to restrain the victim. Once she was tied down. Fox said he was going to slice off the victim’s ear. The two were tussling on the ground when Fox heard police sirens and ran away.

Cops later found Fox suffering from numerous self-inflicted stab wounds. Inside the home, deputies found the victim’s dog stabbed. The dog was rushed to a veterinarian but later died.

According to the Salem Reporter, Fox owned a construction company at the time of his arrest.