St. Paul, MN: St. Paul man killed, woman blinded in rampage

Article by: ANTHONY LONETREE , Star Tribune Updated: November 21, 2011 - 8:42 PM
A son told police that the suspect had accused his wife of infidelity, then stabbed her and a man staying at the house.

A St. Paul man who suspected his wife was cheating on him slashed a man's throat, killing him, and stabbed his wife in the eyes, blinding her, in attacks Saturday morning in his North End area apartment, according to charges filed Monday.

Authorities say Pah Ber, 48, fatally stabbed Po Lye, 40, of Albert Lea, after he found Lye in the apartment when he returned home from drinking and playing cards about 6 a.m. Saturday.

Ber allegedly told police that Lye had suggested previously that the couple and Lye sleep together.

But the couple's 21-year-old son told police that Lye was there that morning because Lye and the son were friends, and Lye had asked the son if he could stay overnight, according to the charges filed in Ramsey County District Court.

The son said his father always accused his mother, Paw Pree, 40, of being unfaithful, the charges say. Prior to the attack on Lye, the son added, Ber asked Pree if she was going to "love that guy."

He stabbed Lye in the stomach, and then chased him around the apartment, inflicting additional stab wounds, according to the charges.

Pree fled to her bedroom, and locked the door, but Ber broke in, and stabbed her "numerous times, including several times in her eyes, blinding her," the complaint states. A child led her out of the apartment when Ber retreated to the kitchen to sharpen the knife, the charges say.

Pree told police that Lye denied wanting to be with her, and that Lye told Ber "that he just wanted to get some rest and would then leave," the complaint states.

Ber has been charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.

Authorities have encountered difficulties finding Lye's relatives. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 651-266-5650 or the county medical examiner at 651-266-1700.

Anthony Lonetree • 612-875-0041