Binghamton Man Sentenced for Attempted Murder

A Binghamton man will be spending 20 years in prison for a nearly deadly attack on his girlfriend in August of 2012 at an apartment on Miles Street in the city.

54 year old Ralph Townsend was sentenced February 27 as a second felony offender for attempted murder and assault for the August 23rd attack in which police found him on top of 38 year old Eileen Montagano, stabbing her repeatedly with a knife.

The woman suffered four stab wounds, one that was considered life-threatening.  She survived the attack following surgery and a lengthy hospitalization.

Officers say they had to shoot Townsend twice in the back to break off the attack. 

In addition to the attempted murder and assault sentence, Townsend was sentenced to a concurrent term of up to 7 years for criminal possession of a weapon.

Townsend had previously been accused of being involved in assaults and threats against women in the Binghamton area dating back to 2001.