Lataye D. Smith (Fond du Lac Co. Jail)
FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A Fond du Lac man was convicted for attacking a woman with a box cutter knife, causing significant injuries to her wrist and neck.
In less than an hour, a jury convicted Lataye D. Smith, 48, of attempted first degree intentional homicide with a dangerous weapon, mayhem with a dangerous weapon and battery with a dangerous weapon. All charges include a domestic violence enhancer.
The convictions stem from a January 7, 2023 incident when Smith and the victim had a verbal altercation at an apartment complex in the 100 block of Main Street in Fond du Lac.
According to the criminal complaint, the victim said after the two argued, she went out to her car in the parking lot to smoke a cigarette. Smith followed her out to the car and opened the door and grabbed her wrist. The victim believes this was the first cut.
During the attack, Smith repeatedly said the victim was “going to die today,” the complaint reads.
The victim was able to get away from Smith and she ran to the police station to report the attack. She was taken to the hospital to be treated for her injuries.
“The victim heroically fought off the defendant and showed her bravery at trial by testifying and telling the jury how the defendant tried to kill her. I couldn’t be more proud of her bravery and courage as well as the work of the City of Fond du Lac Police Department for their investigation, which lead to these convictions. If you are experiencing domestic violence, you are not alone and help is available through the national Domestic Violence hotline: 1-800-799-7233 and the local Solutions Center hotline: 920-923-1700,” said District Attorney Eric Toney.
Smith faces a maximum possible sentence of over 80 years of initial prison confinement.
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