January 27, 2012

Baldwin Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Attempting to Murder Girlfriend

Knudson beat and strangled the victim after putting a plastic bag over her head in February 2011

MINEOLA, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced today that a Baldwin man was sentenced yesterday to eight years in prison after he repeatedly punched his girlfriend, and then placed a plastic bag over her head and strangled her.

David Knudson, 42, of Baldwin, pleaded guilty in November 2011 to Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Attempted Assault in the First Degree, Strangulation in the Second Degree, Aggravated Criminal Contempt, and Resisting Arrest.

Rice said that at approximately 8 p.m. on February 24, 2011, Knudson got into an argument with his girlfriend after he arrived home intoxicated. The argument quickly escalated and Knudson punched the victim in the face multiple times with closed fist, placed a plastic bag over her head, strangled her with both hands closed around her throat, and threatened to kill her. The victim was able to free herself and suffered contusions, swelling, bruising, facial fractures, and requires jaw realignment surgery.

“It is beyond comprehension that somebody could so violently and viciously attack someone that they claim to love,” Rice said. “The abuse suffered by the victim in this case demanded that this defendant be removed from society, and the streets of Nassau County are safer with Mr. Knudson in prison.”

Assistant District Attorney Amanda Burke of the Special Victims Bureau is prosecuting the case for the District Attorney’s Office. Knudson is represented by Chris Devane, Esq.