Elderly Man Stabs Relative After Dispute

A violent domestic incident occurred south of Goshen on Monday afternoon, resulting in a stabbing. Larry Peterson, 76, a former Elkhart County corrections officer, faces charges following the alleged assault on a relative. Deputies responded to a call where a 68-year-old woman could be heard screaming before the line disconnected.

Upon arrival, officers found the woman bleeding from her abdomen and requiring immediate medical attention. She was airlifted to South Bend Memorial Hospital for emergency surgery due to two stab wounds. Peterson was also transported to Goshen Hospital for medical evaluation. Court documents indicate Peterson remains in custody with no bond.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Peterson stated the argument began over relationship issues, and the victim knocked items off his desk. He claims she retrieved a knife and handed it to him, telling him to stab her. He reported being struck with a walker and stated the woman was stabbed in the kitchen and bedroom, repeatedly telling him to proceed. The victim later corroborated his account, alleging a seven-year history of abuse, though no prior court records exist for this.

Peterson expressed remorse, stating he didn't mean to but was "tired of it." He acknowledged his actions and believed "God will punish him." The victim confirmed Peterson's story and claimed he had been "horrible and nasty" and intended to "stab and kill her." She admitted to retrieving the knife, calling herself "stupid" for not believing he would actually do it.