Booking photo for Muhannad Khalaf Alshammari. (Courtesy: Cache County Jail)
LOGAN — A 23-year-old Logan man has admitted to attacking a woman with a frying pan while on a date two years ago. Muhannad Khalaf Alshammari accepted a plea deal that could send him to prison.
Alshammari participated in a virtual hearing in 1st District Court Monday afternoon, appearing by web conference from jail. He pleaded guilty to one count of attempted aggravated kidnapping, amended to a second-degree felony; and two counts of aggravated assault, a third-degree felony.
Defense attorney Joseph Rupp explained that as part of the plea deal, prosecutors agreed to drop three remaining charges. Attorneys will also recommend the sentences run concurrently.
According to prosecutors, Alshammari reportedly met the victim on a dating app. The two agreed to go out Dec. 13, 2019.
The woman told law enforcement the two consumed THC edibles while at Alshammari’s residence. Shortly after, the defendant grabbed a frying pan and began striking her with it. He then began chocking and punching her.
After harming the woman, Alshammari blocked the door and kept her inside the residence while he prayed as to whether or not he should kill the woman. She was later allowed to leave and was treated at a hospital for her injuries.
Alshammari spoke briefly during Monday’s hearing, telling the court he was willing to waive his rights to a fair trial and plead guilty to the charges.
Judge Angela Fonnesbeck accepted the plea deal. She scheduled sentencing for May 23.
Alshammari is currently out of jail on pre-trial supervision. He could face up to 15 years in prison.
will@cvradio.com