VAN NUYS : Reseda Man Admits Stabbing His Wife
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A Reseda man admitted in court Tuesday that he stabbed his estranged wife outside a Van Nuys courtroom in August in a case that led to increased security at Van Nuys Superior Court.
Alvin J. Wells, 34, faces up to 13 years in prison after pleading no contest--the legal equivalent of a guilty plea--to attempted murder for stabbing his wife, Shirley Wells, 34, who was at court to obtain a restraining order against him.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Gloria M. Mas said that after the Wells’ case was moved to a courtroom without metal detectors, Wells went to his car and obtained a kitchen knife, then stabbed his wife six times. Mas said the victim has largely recovered from her wounds.
Judge Michael J. Farrell set April 21 for sentencing.
As a result of the incident, a 10-foot-high stucco wall was built around the three modular buildings where the stabbing occurred, forcing those attending court to enter through the main courthouse, which has metal detectors.
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