James F. Roberts, Jr., 44, pleaded guilty to charges of attempted murder, felonious assault, and domestic violence Monday morning. This occurred just before jury selection was set to begin for his trial.

Marion County Prosecutor Jim Slagle recommended that Roberts receive the maximum sentence of 23 years in prison.

Sentencing will take place at a later date following a pre-sentence investigation.

Roberts was arrested by the Marion Police Department on October 6th, after being called to a Fairpark residence, where Roberts had stabbed a former girlfriend multiple times with two different knives. The victim was hospitalized at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, where she was treated for a punctured lung and 20 different stab wounds to her torso, arm, and face.

Roberts has remained in custody at the Multi-County Correctional Center since his arrest. He is currently being held without bond.

The victim was present for the proceedings. While she was prepared to testify at trial, she was pleased that Roberts pleaded guilty and a trial was not necessary.

“This was one of the most violent stabbings I have seen,” Slagle stated. “This case is another unfortunate example of the danger of domestic violence.”