Schenectady woman faces attempted murder count

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Ashley L. Barr.

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SCHENECTADY — A city woman is facing charges after she tried to stab a man to death, authorities said.

Ashley L. Barr, 28, faces one count of second-degree attempted murder and a host of other charges after she stabbed a man multiple times in the face and neck with a knife on Jan. 27 at a Hugh Street address, according to court documents.

She is also accused of illegally entering the residence by smashing out a first-floor window and stealing the victim’s pickup truck as she fled, according to documents.

Barr also put a plastic bag over the man’s head while sitting on top of him to prevent him from leaving before she stabbed him, according to court documents.

She was arrested shortly after the victim’s truck was reported stolen. State troopers spotted it in Schoharie County, pulled her over and arrested her, prosecutor William Sanderson said.

Barr had been a resident of the home at some point. Prosecutors are investigating the case further to determine how to proceed and which charges to present to a grand jury, Sanderson said.

The incident inside the residence appeared to have started with an argument, Sanderson said.

“It’s fair to say at some point, the homeowner suffered some significant wounds to his head and neck area, and Ms. Barr is accused then of leaving the residence with his vehicle without his permission,” Sanderson said.

When troopers found her, she had an injury to her finger, Sanderson said.

Barr’s attorney, Sven Paul, said on Wednesday that his client maintains her innocence. The defense is also investigating further, he said.

In addition to the attempted murder count, Barr faces one count of first-degree burglary, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, fourth-degree grand larceny and first-degree unlawful imprisonment.

She remains in custody.