Trial Set to Begin for Woman Accused Of Tasering, Stabbing Estranged Husband

More than 16 months after she was accused of tasering and stabbing her estranged husband, Laura Jean Wenke is finally about to start trial.

Wenke, 50, of Los Altos, was charged in connection with tasering and stabbing her estranged husband in the office of their Laurel Street construction company in Redwood City on Sept. 15, 2011.

Reports indicate Laura and Randall Wenke, who have a son together, were in the middle of a difficult divorce and had been separated for around one year at the time of the attack.

The District Attorney said Laura was upset over the fact that Randall had a new girlfriend, and therefore drove to their Redwood City construction business and parked her car in front of the window that looks into the office. Randall was sitting at the computer.

Indicating intent, the District Attorney said Laura drove to the business wearing a mechanic's body suit and had wrapped bubble wrap around her body underneath the suit, presumably to fend off any counter-attack.

Laura reportedly snuck up behind her husband while he was at the computer, pulled out a stun gun and tasered him, and then stabbed him repeatedly in the chest and neck.

It is unclear how the Redwood City Police Department learned about the attack, but reports indicate that when officers arrived at the scene, Laura was still on the premises, and Randall was found still alive, suffering from his injuries. He was transported to the hospital, where he was treated for several days and then released.

It was later learned that the victim had a $2-million life insurance policy, for which Laura Wenke was still listed as the beneficiary.

that the couple had formerly lived in a home on Country Club Drive in Los Altos, and were well liked by neighbors who often saw Laura walking her son to school nearby. 

Neighbors said they were "saddened" by the ugly turn the couple's divorce had taken, many volunteering to feed Laura's cats and put out her garbage cans for collection after she was intitially arrested.

After being delayed three times, Laura Wenke's jury trial is finally set to begin on Feb. 25 in San Mateo County Superior Court.

Wenke previously pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and other offenses.

The San Mateo County District Attorney's Office indicated this week it is pursuing life in prison for Wenke, who has been in custody without bail since the attack.

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