Travis County DA Secures 15-Year Prison Sentence For Woman Who Stabbed Victim For Thrills

AUSTIN, TX — Law enforcement officials secured a 15-year prison sentence for a woman who stabbed her victim 21 times and then wrote about the thrill she derived from the crime in her diary.

Prosecutors for the Travis County District Attorney's Office secured the lengthy sentence on Friday against Pearl Moen, who stabbed a Hyde Park woman in November 2015. Moen was 17 years old at the time of the crime, and had a history of drug use and psychological issues but no criminal record, the DA's office said.

"She hid in the bushes watching the victim prior to the stabbing, which she carried out because she wanted to know what it would feel like to kill someone," DA officials said in a prepared statement. "She later depicted the stabbing in several drawings that were discovered by her mother and given to the police."

Moen was subsequently charged with attempted murder, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. She agreed to the 15-year sentence as part of a plea agreement in the 403rd District Court, officials said.

The victim is a 23-year-old nurse who requested anonymity, according the the DA's office. After the plea, the victim was given the opportunity to speak directly to Moen, telling her she was relieved the defendant stabbed her rather than a child, an elderly person or someone unable to defend themselves, DA officials said. The victim said she was able to save her own life given the techniques of her nursing profession.

Assistant DA Joe Frederick credited the victim for the courage she displayed throughout the ordeal, saying her personal strength aided in prosecuting Moen for the crime.

“The determination the victim showed from moment of the stabbing, through her recovery and prosecution is inspiring," Frederick said. "Her strength coupled with community involvement and good detective work is what made this prosecution possible. This office was proud to fight for justice on her behalf.”

During the trial, some news outlets reprinted portions of Moen's diary. A sample entry:

“So, okay I’ll start with the exciting bit. I stabbed an innocent woman to death earlier today (well yesterday since it’s 1 a.m.)…It was absolutely fantastic. Murder gives me a high unlike any other, it feels like this crisp unreality, flashing and sparkling, adrenaline and shock. Fight or flight mode. How do I even go about describing it. The whole thing was unreal. I’m so proud of myself. I stabbed her like 20 times. Maybe more…She screamed and grabbed at me, saying ‘What the [expletive]?! Help! Leave!’ For now I should explain why. Other than the fact that I’m a homicidal psychopath. I have a deep hatred towards people right now..Yesterday I lost my other gold ring I’ve worn all my life on a chain around my neck as it was ripped off by a girl I was murdering. Fate is weird.”

>>> Pearl Moen booking photo via Travis County Jail records