Salem, OR – A 54-year-old Oregon man has been sentenced to more than 20 years in prison after brutally stabbing his wife and killing her dog just weeks after being released on bond for a prior domestic violence strangulation case. Prosecutors say the man blamed his wife for his earlier arrest before launching the violent attack.
The Incident: Attack After Release on Bond
According to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office, Mark Fox, of Salem, was out on bond for strangling his wife during a domestic dispute in October 2023 when he attacked her again the following month.
On October 9, 2023, Fox’s wife had messaged a friend expressing fear about her husband’s drunken and aggressive behavior. The friend contacted the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and deputies responded to the couple’s home. They found 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 and charged with strangulation, assault, and unlawful use of a weapon. The state requested a $25,000 bond, but a judge released him with a no-contact order and a restraining order was issued to protect the victim.
Just one month later, on November 8, 2023, Fox violated that order in a violent and premeditated attack.
The Second Attack: “Why Did You Do This to Me?”
Deputies were called back to the home in early November after reports of a violent disturbance. They arrived to find the victim bleeding in the driveway, suffering from multiple stab wounds to her body.
According to prosecutors, the victim told officers she had been on the phone with her mother when Fox broke into her home. He allegedly shouted that he “wasn’t going to prison” and blamed his wife for his prior arrest.
“Victim’s mother heard the confrontation over the phone and called 911 after hearing her daughter yell, ‘Stop! Stop!’ while the defendant’s voice could be heard saying, ‘Why did you do this to me?’” prosecutors said.
Fox reportedly came prepared to inflict serious harm, carrying duct tape, zip ties, and a hunting knife. Investigators said he tied the woman up, threatened to cut off her ear, and repeatedly stabbed her before fleeing the scene when he heard police sirens approaching.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
Responding deputies found Fox nearby with several self-inflicted stab wounds, indicating an attempted suicide. Inside the home, they discovered the victim’s dog stabbed multiple times. The animal was rushed to a local veterinarian but later died from its injuries.
The victim, though critically injured, survived after being rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency surgery.
Investigators later confirmed that Fox had planned the attack, bringing tools to restrain and torture his wife. The Marion County District Attorney’s Office described the case as a calculated act of domestic terror, demonstrating clear intent to kill.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Mark Fox pleaded guilty to several felony charges, including:
- Second-degree attempted murder
- First-degree aggravated assault
- Aggravated animal abuse
- Violation of a restraining order
During sentencing, the judge called the attack “premeditated and cruel beyond comprehension,” noting that Fox’s prior release directly endangered the victim.
Fox was sentenced to 20 years and one month in prison under Oregon’s Measure 11 sentencing guidelines, which mandate minimum prison terms for violent crimes.
According to the Salem Reporter, Fox owned a construction company at the time of his arrest and had no prior felony convictions before the domestic violence charges.
Reactions and Community Response
The case has renewed debate in Oregon over bond release policies in domestic violence cases. Advocates have criticized the court’s decision to release Fox after his first arrest, arguing that judicial discretion often puts victims in danger.
A representative from the Marion County DA’s Office said the victim showed “extraordinary courage” throughout the ordeal and continues to recover from both physical and emotional trauma.
Domestic violence advocates have urged the state to strengthen protective measures and require risk assessments before allowing alleged abusers to be released on bond.
Background and Broader Context
Oregon law allows judges to grant conditional release in domestic violence cases, but critics say Fox’s release was a tragic example of the system failing to protect victims.
According to national statistics, more than 40% of women killed in domestic incidents had previously sought restraining orders against their abusers. Advocates warn that early intervention and enforcement of no-contact orders remain key to preventing repeated violence.
Conclusion
Mark Fox’s 20-year prison sentence marks the end of a harrowing chapter for a woman who survived two brutal attacks at the hands of her husband. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by domestic violence survivors and the critical need for stronger protections in bond and restraining order enforcement.
What are your thoughts on this case and the state’s handling of domestic violence releases? Share your opinions in the comments below.
