Man accused of stabbing wife reaches plea deal

NEWPORT CITY, Vermont (AP) - A Vermont man accused of stabbing his wife nearly two years ago has reached a plea deal.

Fifty-five-year-old Roberto Vargas of Newport City has been held without bail since July 2015 after pleading not guilty to attempted second degree murder and aggravated domestic assault. Prosecutors say he repeatedly stabbed his wife in the neck and abdomen.

Vargas would have faced 20 years to life in prison if convicted on both charges. The Caledonian Record reports (https://bit.ly/2oN1xh7 ) that prosecutors have agreed to drop the assault charge in exchange for Vargas pleading guilty to the attempted murder charge and will recommend a sentence of 15 years instead.

A hearing is set for May 5.

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Information from: The Caledonian-Record, https://www.caledonianrecord.com