State’s Attorney Glasgow Announces Arthur Knox Sentenced to 15 Years in Attempted Stabbing Murder of Former Girlfriend

July 15, 2021

JOLIET – State’s Attorney James Glasgow has announced that Arthur Knox, 55, of Joliet, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison by Associate Judge Edward A. Burmila, Jr.​, in the 2016 stabbing of former girlfriend Lisa Cummins. Burmila had found Knox guilty of Attempted First Degree Murder—a Class X felony—on February 28, 2020, following a bench trial.

Knox had stabbed Cummins multiple times in the neck, shoulder, and abdomen the morning of April 4, 2016, a couple months after Cummins had ended their relationship. Cummins, who was living at her sister’s residence, was walking on the driveway toward her vehicle when Knox came running at her with his hands up and wearing a hoodie over his head. She tried to run back toward the house, slipped, and fell, at which time Knox got on top of her and began stabbing her. He then fled the scene and Cummins went back into the residence, where her sister called 911.

“No one should have to live in abject fear because they have ended a relationship—and yet, the risk of extreme violence increases once someone leaves their abuser,” Glasgow said. “It is a miracle that she survived because any single one of the callously inflicted stab wounds could have ended her life. Although he will spend time in prison, nothing can make up for the permanent physical and emotional scarring Ms. Cummins suffered during this barbaric attack.”

Knox will receive a credit of 1929 days for time served.

Glasgow commended Assistant State’s Attorneys Alyson Wozniak and Sarah Shutts, as well as Victim Witness Advocate Danette Pasdertz, for their selfless dedication in seeking justice in this case.