Man Accused of Attempting to Saw off Woman's Head With a Steak Knife
In a horrifying case out of Wisconsin, a 60-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly trying to decapitate a woman he was dating using a "big, long steak knife," according to Law and Crime. The woman later died from injuries consistent with blunt force trauma, and the incident has sent shockwaves through the quiet Marshfield community.
What Happened?
The victim, a 61-year-old woman whose name has not been released, was found bloodied and injured by her caregiver on April 25. Authorities say she had been assaulted by Cyril Granahan, her neighbor and on-again, off-again boyfriend, who lived in the apartment below hers.
According to the criminal complaint obtained by the Marshfield News-Herald, the woman told police at the hospital that Granahan returned to her apartment early that morning and demanded to know the whereabouts of a cigarette case. When she said she didn't know, Granahan allegedly shoved her to the ground, stomped on her chest, and made terrifying threats. She said he told her he was going to break her neck — and then announced that he would cut her head off.
The Knife Attack
The woman reported that Granahan went into her kitchen and returned with a steak knife, described at different times as a serrated knife and a 6-inch chef's knife. She said he then began sawing at the back of her neck. Initially, she estimated the assault lasted 45 minutes. In a second interview, she revised that to around 10 minutes. Regardless, the physical evidence was alarming: a large gash on the back of her neck, facial bruises, chest injuries, and a deep cut on her hand — consistent with a defensive wound.
Despite the brutality, the woman said she managed to get up and go to bed once the attack ended and Granahan left the apartment. Hours later, her caregiver discovered the blood and rushed her to Marshfield Medical Center.
A Rapid Decline and Tragic Ending
Doctors discovered bleeding on the left side of the woman's brain and performed emergency surgery on April 29. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she slipped into a coma-like state. On May 8, she died. The preliminary autopsy results cited blunt force trauma to the head as the cause of death.
During the course of the investigation, the woman's daughter informed authorities that her mother had previously suffered from frontal lobe tumors, which may have affected her memory and caused inconsistencies in her statements. The physical injuries and surveillance footage were enough for prosecutors to move forward.
The Charges
Cyril Granahan has been charged with:
- First-degree reckless homicide
- Physical abuse of an elder person
- Misdemeanor disorderly conduct with an elder-person enhancement
Granahan is being held in Wood County Jail on a $250,000 cash bond.
Police say surveillance footage captured Granahan entering and exiting the woman's apartment around the time of the alleged attack. In a statement to police, he initially admitted to being in the apartment but later contradicted himself. He also admitted to previously striking the woman in the face with a cigarette roller — an earlier incident her caregiver confirmed.
A Chilling Case of Domestic Violence
This case serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers in domestic relationships. Granahan's alleged attempt to decapitate a woman he had been romantically involved with — combined with prior instances of physical violence — paints a grim picture.
Investigators are continuing to build their case, using video surveillance, medical evidence, and witness testimony. Whether Granahan will face trial remains to be seen, but the charges suggest prosecutors are taking the incident extremely seriously.
If you or someone you know is in need of support from domestic abuse, call 1-800-799-7233 or visit The Hotline.
References: Man tried to saw off the head of the neighbor he was dating with a 'big, long steak knife': Police | 60-year-old Marshfield man charged in death of woman after trying to cut off her head
