Pennsylvania Daybook

Philadelphia man stabbed 77 times before set on fire

MAHANOY CITY, Pa. (AP) — Police have arrested a man who they say took a woman into a wooded Pennsylvania area and beat her as he held her and her young child captive. State police say Christopher Benjamin was taken into custody on Wednesday in West Mahanoy Township, about 80 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Investigators say Benjamin beat the 31-year-old woman as he held her and her 4-year-old against her will for two days last month. State troopers say Benjamin is the father of the woman's 1-year-old. They previously said he threatened to kill her if she tried to escape before leaving with the younger child. Police say the woman was able to escape and seek help. Benjamin faces charges including aggravated assault and unlawful restraint. It's not known if he has a lawyer.

Man arrested, accused of beating, holding woman in captivity