Watertown man sentenced to prison for attempted murder, burglary

WATERTOWN, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - A man from Watertown, Marcus Weber, has been sentenced to nearly 35 years in prison following a violent assault on a woman last August. He was convicted on charges of attempted first-degree murder and first-degree burglary.

During the brutal attack, Weber premeditatedly confronted the victim at her residence, where he attempted to drag her out by her throat and stomp on her face. When medical personnel arrived, the victim was found bleeding profusely and suffering from severe injuries.

In a courtroom packed with onlookers for the sentencing, the victim shared a powerful impact statement, asserting her newfound strength and independence from Weber after enduring a long history of abuse. Despite the ordeal she faced, she voiced her determination to reclaim control over her life.

Weber, who pleaded guilty to the charges in January, spoke briefly during the sentencing, expressing remorse for his actions and acknowledging the need to take responsibility.

Judge Carmen Means highlighted the case as a manifestation of a clear cycle of violence, recognizing the victim's courageous decision to stand up for herself. The court sentenced Weber to 25 years in prison for the attempted murder charge, with credit for 214 days already served, alongside an additional 25 years for the burglary charge, with 15 years of that suspended.