Forsyth Woman Charged With Stabbing 86-Year-Old 15 Times: Police

CUMMING, GA — A Forsyth County woman was charged with attempted murder in New Jersey after police found a woman stabbed 15 times in bed, police said.

Tanya Spears, 60, of Cumming, was charged with aggravated assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, said Sunrise Terrace, New Jersey Chief Joseph Cirasa.

Spears is the daughter of the victim's friend, Cirasa said. She would come up to New Jersey for visits and the victim and her husband would allow her to stay with them, he said.

Police responded to a call from the victim's husband just after 4 a.m. They found the 86-year-old woman on the second floor, lying in bed and bleeding profusely, Cirasa said. She had been stabbed approximately 15 times.

The officers immediately began controlling the victim's bleeding. She was taken to an area trauma center where she remained in critical condition Tuesday afternoon, Cirasa said.

Police found Spears in a first floor bedroom and took her into custody. She was taken to the Essex County Jail in New Jersey to await a bail hearing, the chief said.

Authorities did not discover a motive for the attack as of press time. Cedar Grove police detectives are executing a search warrant and processing the crime scene, Cirasa said.

Cirasa did not specify the relationship between the victim and Spears. He could not be reached for additional comment.

Patch Editor Daniel Hubbard contributed to this article.