Former wrestler charged with attempted murder of ex-girlfrie

Dreds

The Associated Press

LARGO, Fla. --
A former professional wrestler was arrested on a charge of attempted murder because authorities said he stabbed his ex-girlfriend three times.

Richard "Dirty Dick" Slater, 52, used a kitchen knife with an 8-inch blade to stab Theresa Halbert, 41, at her home Saturday afternoon, police Sgt. George Edmiston said. Halbert was briefly hospitalized for stab wounds to an arm, leg and back before she was released.

At the time of the stabbing, Slater was moving the last of his possessions out of the house after he and Halbert had broken up, Edmiston said Saturday.

Slater was later found at another home nearby. He apparently overdosed on pain medications he routinely takes for injuries suffered during his wrestling career, Edmiston said.

Slater was being held Sunday at Pinellas County Jail. It could not immediately be determined if he had a lawyer.

After Halbert was released, she said she had allowed Slater to come to her house Saturday to pick up his clothes. He came up behind her with a knife and punched her in the head, knocking her down, she said.

He then sat on top of her as she lay on the floor, and when she grabbed the knife, he turned her over and stabbed her, Halbert said.

Then he got up off her and told her he wanted her to lie on her bed so he could watch her bleed to death, Halbert said. She then pleaded with him not to let her die.

A dejected Slater then told her he was going to kill himself, Halbert said. He then left, and she called 911 at 12:17 p.m.

Halbert said that Slater has been retired from professional wrestling for six years.

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Information from: Tampa Tribune,