An Oregon man has been sentenced to more than two decades in prison for stabbing his wife just weeks after being released on bond for previously strangling her during a domestic violence incident.
Mark Fox, 54, received a 20-year-and-one-month prison term after pleading guilty to multiple felony counts, including second-degree attempted murder, first-degree aggravated assault, and aggravated animal abuse, according to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors said the case exposed deep flaws in the pretrial release system, as Fox was freed despite warnings that he posed an ongoing danger to his estranged wife.
Authorities said the initial assault occurred on Oct. 9, 2023, when the victim reached out to a friend expressing fear over Fox’s escalating behavior and heavy drinking. The friend contacted the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and deputies arrived to find the woman “visibly trembling” and covered in bruises.
“She described being held so tightly by the defendant that her ability to breathe was blocked,” prosecutors wrote.
Fox was arrested on several domestic violence-related charges, including strangulation, assault, and unlawful use of a weapon. Prosecutors urged the court to set a $25,000 bond, but the judge released him with a no-contact order. The victim later obtained a restraining order for additional protection.
Less than a month later, on Nov. 8, 2023, Fox returned to his wife’s home and attacked her again. Deputies responding to a 911 call found her in the driveway suffering from multiple stab wounds.
According to investigators, Fox had entered the home armed with a hunting knife, duct tape, and zip ties — tools he used to restrain his wife. While holding her down, Fox allegedly said he planned to mutilate her.
“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 added.
The brutal assault ended when Fox fled after hearing approaching police sirens. Officers later found him nearby with several self-inflicted stab wounds. Inside the home, deputies also discovered the couple’s dog fatally injured. Despite being rushed to a veterinarian, the animal did not survive.
Fox, who owned a construction company in Salem at the time of his arrest, will now serve more than 20 years in state prison without early release eligibility for the violent attack.
The Marion County District Attorney’s Office praised the victim’s resilience and reiterated its commitment to protecting survivors of domestic violence. Officials also emphasized the need for stronger safeguards when assessing bail in cases involving repeat offenders.
