An Anchorage man with a lengthy rap sheet in Louisiana was sentenced Friday to 31 years in prison for trying to stab his ex-girlfriend to death.
"You tried to kill me, and it hurts me physically and emotionally," said Sharon Collins.
Mark Stephin Horton stabbed Collins multiple times after learning she intended to marry another man, according to testimony.
Jurors convicted Horton in November of attempted murder as well as first- and third-degree assault and reckless endangerment. They returned the verdict in about a day.
The state argued during opening statements that Horton committed himself to killing Collins on July 30, 2012, and stabbed her eight times. Collins was stabbed in the breast and face and neck, prosecutors said.
Horton also threatened Collins' sister with a knife, which was the basis for the third-degree assault charge.
The defense argued Horton was defending himself. Horton testified that Collins wielded a knife at him and that she was the aggressor.
But Horton said he was "truly sorry" for his actions in court Friday.
"I understand the situation," he said. "I do have remorse. It could have been handled a different way. … I wish I could turn back the hands of time and change it."
Horton appeared in court wearing an orange Anchorage Correctional Complex prison suit, a color generally designated for inmates in protective custody. He is segregated because of health issues, according to testimony.
Deputy District Attorney Clint Campion requested a flat sentence of 30 years on the attempted murder and first-degree assault charges. He asked Superior Court Judge Jack Smith not to impose a lesser sentence due to the intimacy and trust between Horton and his victim.
Campion said Horton did not accept responsibility at trial.
"(Horton) had an explanation and excuse for everything he did," Campion said.
Defense attorney James Ferguson said Collins provoked the stabbing "to a significant degree." A witness said she used Horton for money, he said.
Horton has goals and drive, Ferguson said. Horton's number one priority is getting out of prison early enough to see his family, he said.
"I do forgive you, but you need to pay for what you've done," said Collins, who attended the hearing by phone. She added that she thinks Horton needs psychological help, and if he gets it, he may be able to see his grandchildren again -- someday.