A routine haircut appointment in a Nashville apartment turned into a violent crime scene when, according to police, a man punched, strangled and stabbed the woman who had come over to cut his hair. The victim, identified by investigators as Karen Patricia Altman, was rushed to Vanderbilt Medical Center with multiple stab wounds and signs of strangulation. Authorities say 59-year-old Marty James Felix has been arrested and is being held on a $150,000 bond, charged with attempted criminal homicide.
According to WSMV, officers were called to the apartment complex on Thursday after Altman dialed 911. Responding officers found her with visible stab wounds to her chest and a bleeding hand. The arrest affidavit states that Altman told police she had gone into Felix’s apartment, located in the same complex where she lives, to cut his hair. While she was there, he allegedly became irate, hit and strangled her, then came at her with a knife. Officers arrested Felix at the scene and reported that he had blood on his arms and shirt. According to the report, he refused to speak with investigators.
Charges and Legal Context
Felix is booked on a single count of attempted criminal homicide, a serious felony that prosecutors file when they believe someone took substantial steps toward killing another person but did not complete the act. Under Tennessee law, criminal attempt requires proof that a defendant acted with the same level of intent needed for the underlying crime and then took an overt step that backs up that intent. Courts and statutory commentary spell out how attempts are proved and punished in the state. For more on how Tennessee courts analyze criminal attempt under T.C.A. § 39-12-101, see Tennessee Courts.
Affidavit Details
The arrest affidavit, as summarized in local reporting, describes a frantic escape. Altman told investigators she fought Felix off and ran toward a friend’s apartment in the complex to get help. She reported that Felix told her, “I’ll kill you” before punching and strangling her, and said she lost consciousness twice during the attack. According to the affidavit, Altman suffered stab wounds to her chest, back and right thumb, and she was bleeding from her mouth when officers arrived, details that were reported by WSMV.
Felix remains in jail as investigators and prosecutors continue reviewing the affidavit and other evidence. The report does not list an arraignment date, and the district attorney’s office will decide how to proceed with formal charges and upcoming court appearances…