SCOTTSDALE, AZ – A 24-year-old Arizona woman is facing attempted murder charges after she allegedly stabbed her mother 18 times and then told police the woman had inflicted the wounds on herself, authorities said.
Ashland Crank was arrested Monday after officers responded to a disturbance at a Scottsdale residence and found her mother suffering from cuts across her back, shoulders, chest, neck, fingers, hands, head, and thigh. The victim required an air tube at the hospital.
Witnesses told police they heard the mother crying out “trying to kill me” and observed Crank dragging her mother toward a garage during the attack.
When confronted by officers, Crank claimed her mother had caused the injuries herself. She provided inconsistent statements to police throughout the encounter.
Medical professionals quickly disputed Crank’s account. Doctors noted that several of the injuries appeared to be in locations that would be nearly impossible for the victim to inflict on herself, according to charging documents.
Investigators recovered multiple knives at the scene, including one with a snapped blade bearing blood and hair, authorities said.
The victim told police that the attack came after she informed her daughter that she planned to take her to a mental health facility for treatment related to alcoholism and mental health issues. She said Crank attacked her from behind after learning of the plan.
Crank has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping, and disorderly conduct. She is being held pending a court appearance.
The victim survived the attack and is recovering from her injuries.
