Driver who tried to kill wife gets jail

BLACKFOOT, Idaho – An eastern Idaho man who was charged with trying to kill his wife and two children by intentionally running his vehicle off the interstate and into a power pole has been sentenced to seven to 14 years in prison.

Juan G. Rascon of Blackfoot pleaded guilty to one count of attempted murder in May and was sentenced Monday by 7th District Judge Darren Simpson.

The 34-year-old Rascon asked for probation, saying he temporarily lost his mind last December when he tried to kill his wife, first by crashing the car and then by trying to strangle her when they got out of the vehicle.

Rascon said he was upset because he and his wife were having marital difficulties.

Rascon is in the United States illegally and could face deportation when he completes his sentence.