U.S. Sailor Charged in Slashing Attack

A U.S. sailor was formally accused of slashing a woman’s throat to steal her purse. Japanese prosecutors charged Seaman Terrence Michael Swanson, 20, of Anoka, Minn., with attempted murder during a July 16 robbery. If convicted, he could face life in prison. Swanson is accused of grabbing the woman from behind and slashing her throat as she walked outside the Sasebo Navy base on the island of Kyushu, prosecutors told Kyodo News. He is also accused of stealing $120 from her purse, Kyodo reported. The woman is recovering in a hospital. Swanson, who is assigned to the missile frigate McClusky, was arrested in Sasebo on July 20.