SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania State Police arrested Natalee Clarke, 21, of Shippensburg for stabbing her 53-year-old father while he was asleep.
The incident occurred around 2:13 p.m. on March 9 at Theo's Inn, Shippensburg.
Police say Clarke used a large kitchen knife that was stored under her bedding to stab the victim in his upper body while he slept in a bed next to hers. He sustained an inch-long cut on his left bicep and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
The victim quickly awoke and jumped to his feet when Clarke attempted to stab him once more in the chest.
Clarke's father reportedly wrestled the knife away from her. She then fled the room, according to the criminal complaint.
Both during an interview in the motel lobby shortly after the attack and after being taken into custody, police say Clarke admitted several times her intention was to kill the victim.
She allegedly told police that voices and rumors relating that her father no longer loved her caused her to act out. The suspect confirmed that she wanted to kill the victim out of anger, police said.
Clarke and her father allegedly had an argument earlier in the day in which he prohibited Clarke from leaving their apartment.
Clarke is currently being held at Cumberland County Prison without bail and is being charged with criminal attempt homicide and aggravated assault, along with other lesser charges.
State police continue to investigate.
