Man pleads in Aug 2012 attempted murder

MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) - A man who lured a woman into a Muskegon home and then assaulted her pleaded guilty to the charges against him only days before his trial was set to start.

Douglas Fitzgibbon pleaded guilty but mentally ill to one count of assault with intent to murder and unlawful imprisonment on Jan. 11. His trial was meant to start Tuesday.

Muskegon police said that on Aug. 1, 2012, Fitzgibbon told a 26-year-old woman known for helping others that he needed help because his grandmother had fallen. She agreed to help the then 19-year-old even though he was a stranger.

Once inside a residence, Fitzgibbon forced the victim down the stairs, struck her, tied an electrical cord around her neck and threatened to kill her. But he left her alone for a moment, which gave the victim a chance to escape.

He was arrested at a nearby house a short time later.

Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 4.