LOGAN — A judge will determine next week if a 21-year-old Logan will be bound over on charges that he attempted to kill a woman after she caught him trying to break into an apartment. Benjamin Stoddard was arrested in April and is being held in the Cache County Jail without bail.
Stoddard appeared in 1st District Court Tuesday morning. He has been charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and attempted aggravated murder, all first-degree felonies; and, domestic violence in the presence of a child, a third-degree felony.
Police report that the victim claimed Stoddard, who previously lived at the residence, broke in and took some electronic equipment and other valuables. When the woman confronted the suspect, he grabbed her by the throat, choking her until she passed out.
Stoddard reportedly fled the residence, taking the valuables with him.
The victim began to regain consciousness just as a family member came to the apartment. The relative told officers that the victim was pale and incoherent.
Police found Stoddard nearby with the alleged stolen items. He was taken into custody for questioning and later booked into jail.
During Tuesday’s court appearance, public defender Shannon Demler requested a preliminary hearing where prosecutors will present their evidence in the case. He said the hearing will likely last close to two hours. It was scheduled for May 22.
Court records show Stoddard pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault in September 2018. He was later sentenced to serve 60-days in jail.
Stoddard did not speak during Tuesday’s hearing. He could face up to life in prison if convicted.