Child Sex Abuser Attempts to Murder Neighbor While Waiting for Sentencing

Syracuse, NY -- Brian Lennox was already facing 7 years in prison for child sex abuse when he was accused of barging into his Salina neighbor's home and stabbing him repeatedly.

Lennox, 50, of 108 Pleasant View Drive, now faces an attempted murder charge in the Aug. 5 attack on Mark White, 57, at 203 Vardon St. He also faces felony burglary, assault and weapons charges.

Today, Lennox rejected a plea offer that would have sent him to prison for 17 additional years. That would have locked him up for a total of 24 years.

Now, prosecutor Jeff Schiano will take his attempted murder case to grand jury. Lennox is already in state prison, serving his felony sex abuse conviction involving an underage girl.

He was indicted in April on sex abuse and child endangerment charges. He pleaded guilty and was released before the Aug. 5 incident.

Brian Lennox

This is what I don't understand - he plead guilty, so they released him pending sentencing. The judge knew he would be sentenced to a prison term, so why was he not incarcerated immediately instead of being sent home where he could abuse more children or attempt to murder his neighbor. It's crazy!

Lennox is accused of stabbing White in the neck and arm that day. White stumbled outside and was found lying on the ground outside his residence, bleeding profusely, authorities have said.

White knew Lennox, sheriff's Detective Jon Seeber said, and was able to identify Lennox as his attacker. Deputies located Lennox inside his garage.

The motive for the attack is still under investigation, Seeber said.

White was rushed to Upstate University Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery for his injuries. Lennox was treated for minor cuts to his hands at Upstate University Hospital at Community General.

Lennox was sentenced to state prison for the sex abuse soon afterward.