A Knife in the Night

Rob Whedbee testifies in the trial of Michael Frazier about waking up to see a black figure standing over him with a butcher knife poised to plunge into his throat. Had Whedbee awakened a few seconds later, the knife would have most likely struck a fatal blow; however, Whedbee was able to deflect the knife which cut his ear and scraped the side of his throat. Frazier continued trying to stab Rob, cutting and nicking his arms and chest, until Whedbee was able to roll out of bed onto the floor, pulling Frazier in front of him in a bear hug and grasping his wrists to ward off any serious blows.  During the struggle, the knife became slick with Whedbee's blood and he sustained a cut to the hand that severed an artery. Although his injuries were relatively minor, the trauma of the terrifying attack left a lasting impression on Mr. Whedbee. It would be years before he would ever sleep easy again. Throughout the struggle, Whedbee continued to call to his wife for assistance, and felt some relief when she appeared at the bedroom door grasping an aluminum bat. He quickly learned she was not there to help him when the figure in black shouted, "You've got to do it. Do it now." Rob knew then his only hope was to get out of that room and try to get some help.