FAYETTEVILLE — An Elm Springs woman accused of stabbing her husband because he was snoring is seeking a mental examination.
Dawn Marie Weiser, 44, is charged with attempted first-degree murder. If convicted, Weiser faces 10 to 40 years or life in prison.
Doug Weiser, 43, was stabbed three times at the couple’s home Aug. 29 and treated at an area hospital for a punctured spleen and a lacerated liver. He told police he awoke to his wife stabbing him but was able to take the knife away. Doug Weiser told police the couple had argued about his snoring.
Dawn Weiser first told police she thought an intruder stabbed her husband. She later said she stabbed her husband, police said.
Bob Estes, attorney for Dawn Weiser, filed a motion seeking the mental exam Tuesday in Washington County Circuit Court. Estes wrote he intends to pursue mental disease or defect as a defense, he has reason to believe Weiser may not fully understand the proceedings against her, may not be able to fully appreciate the criminality of the charges against her or the conduct with which she is charged and may not be able to assist in her defense.
Dawn Weiser is free on $25,000 bond while awaiting trial.