Patience Wleh, a 45-year-old Liberian woman living in Brooklyn Park, has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly attacking her sister with a piece of broken glass. The incident happened on February 12 at the sister’s home, where Wleh had reportedly been staying for several months.
In the early hours of the morning, Elk River Police responded to a distress call from a home on Fillmore Street. The caller, a young woman, reported that her aunt, later identified as Wleh, was threatening to kill her mother.
When officers arrived, they found the caller outside and heard screams coming from inside the house. Rushing in, they discovered two women in a bedroom, both covered in blood. According to police reports, Wleh was holding a large piece of broken glass, which she allegedly used to cut her sister multiple times. The victim was bleeding heavily, and first responders had to apply a tourniquet before rushing her to the hospital.
Initially, Wleh complied with police orders, but officers noted that most of the blood on her appeared to belong to the victim. Soon after, her behavior reportedly became erratic, she resisted, thrashed around, and tried to spit on officers. Police had to place her in a recovery position and use a spit hood for control. Due to her continued agitation, paramedics eventually sedated her before transporting her to the hospital.
After being discharged, Wleh provided her side of the story to authorities, though details of her statement have not been publicly disclosed. Meanwhile, the victim recounted an earlier altercation in the same week that had also required police intervention.
According to the criminal complaint, the violence escalated when Wleh was being loud while her sister and niece were trying to sleep. An argument about knives reportedly broke out, leading to physical aggression. The victim claimed Wleh started pushing and grabbing her, prompting her to call for her daughter to dial 911. By the time officers arrived, the situation had worsened.
Wleh remains in custody at Sherburne County Jail and is scheduled for a review hearing on April 14. If convicted of the most serious charge, attempted murder, she could face up to 40 years in prison. She also faces four lesser felony charges, including assault with a dangerous weapon, which carries a potential seven-year sentence and a $14,000 fine. The least severe charge, misdemeanor assault, could result in 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
This case is a stark reminder of how domestic disputes can spiral into life-altering legal consequences. As Wleh awaits her court date, the justice system will determine her fate based on the evidence and testimonies presented.
