Woman charged with aggravated assault in stabbing

BY ALAN RIQUELMY - ariquelmy@ledger-enquirer.com --

A Columbus woman remained in jail today after police say she stabbed a man in the chest.

Rebecca Strickland, 24, of 507 Wilton St. was arrested early today at her home and charged with aggravated assault. Strickland is accused of stabbing Dalton Mathews, 42, three times in the torso, said Columbus Police Lt. Charles Kennedy.

The stabbing stemmed from Mathews arrival at the home around 12:30 a.m., Kennedy said.

"He went over to talk to his ex-girlfriend," the lieutenant said. "She decided she didn't want to talk to him."

His 37-year-old ex-girlfriend was visiting Strickland's home at the time, and Mathews had entered a room she was in, grabbing her arm when she tried to leave, Kennedy said. That's when Strickland ran into the room with a knife and stabbed Mathews in the chest, his right shoulder and left arm.

Someone in the home called police, who arrived shortly afterward.

When questioned, Strickland said Mathews was choking his ex-girlfriend. However, Kennedy said there were no bruises or marks on the woman. The only portion of the various stories that could be confirmed was that the ex-girlfriend didn't want to talk to Mathews and tried to leave the room.

Mathews was taken to The Medical Center, though Kennedy said his wounds weren't life threatening. He was charged with criminal trespass and is scheduled for Columbus Recorder's Court Sept. 16, Kennedy said.

Strickland was charged with aggravated assault and given a bond of close to $6,000. She remained in the Muscogee County Jail as of Sunday evening. Her first court appearance is scheduled for 8 a.m. Monday.