Woman is beaten and stabbed in a church

Authorities say a suspect has confessed.

By Assocaited Press
Published October 3, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - A man beat, stabbed and tried to sexually assault a woman at a church where she had gone for daily prayer, authorities said Tuesday.

The woman, who was hospitalized but is expected to survive, was attacked at Tallahassee Korean Church early in the morning, said Chris Chase, a spokesman for the Leon County Sheriff's Office

Johnny James Byrd Jr., 25, was held without bail in Leon County Jail on charges of attempted first-degree murder, armed burglary, attempted sexual battery, grand theft auto and armed robbery, authorities said.

The woman, who was not identified, told investigators that after Byrd beat and stabbed her, he tried to sexually assault her, but she convinced him that church members would arrive soon, Chase said.

He stole her purse and drove away in her car. The car was found at a convenience store, Byrd was taken into custody and confessed, Chase said.

Investigators believe Byrd was robbing the church when the woman arrived to pray.

A telephone message left at the church after hours was not immediately returned.

[Last modified October 3, 2007, 01:36:15]