Man allegedly severed wife's tongue, windpipe in smoking fight

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Authorities allege an argument over smoking led a Brooklyn Center man to slash his wife's throat, severing her tongue and windpipe.

Authorities say Meg Lundeen and her husband, Randy Aaser, visited a couple bars with friends and colleagues to celebrate her 30th birthday Friday night. According to the complaint, she told a friend she wanted to buy cigarettes, but that she had quit smoking and that her husband would be mad if he found out.

Authorities say Lundeen was attacked later at the couple's house.

Aaser has been charged with second-degree attempted murder. He's being held in lieu of 500-thousand dollars bail.

Lundeen remains in critical condition. Doctors reattached her tongue, but it's not clear yet how her ability to speak or taste will be affected.

Information from: Star Tribune, http://www.startribune.com (Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-13-07 0200CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list