Farmington Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Attempted Murder of Wife Following Brutal 2025 Stabbing
Published: June 3, 2026.
FARMINGTON, MINNESOTA – A Farmington man who admitted to repeatedly stabbing his wife during a violent domestic assault in April 2025 has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. The Dakota County Attorney's Office announced Wednesday, June 3, 2026, that Mehdi Badaoui, 53, was sentenced by Judge Tanya O'Brien in Dakota County District Court to 240 months (20 years) in prison after pleading guilty to one count of first-degree attempted murder.
Badaoui entered his guilty plea on March 30, 2026. He will receive credit for 416 days already served in custody since his arrest and remains held at the Dakota County Jail pending transfer to the Minnesota Department of Corrections. The sentencing concludes a case that prosecutors described as a severe act of domestic violence that left the victim with life-threatening injuries.
Violent Attack Occurred in April 2025
The charges stemmed from an incident on the morning of April 15, 2025, at a residence on Goldfinch Drive in Farmington. According to the criminal complaint previously filed by the Dakota County Attorney's Office, Farmington police officers responded around 8:30 a.m. after receiving a frantic 911 call from a woman who reported she had been stabbed and could no longer move.
When officers arrived, they encountered Badaoui in the garage of the home with blood visible on his hands and took him into custody without incident. Inside the residence, officers discovered his wife lying in a pool of blood inside a bedroom. Investigators said she had suffered approximately 10 stab wounds, including wounds to her arm, neck, and shoulder areas.
Emergency responders immediately rendered aid, including applying a tourniquet to one of her arm wounds to stop severe bleeding before she was transported to a hospital for emergency surgery. Medical personnel later described the injuries as severe and life-threatening, according to court documents.
Victim Described Prior Abuse
Despite her injuries, the victim was able to briefly speak with investigators. According to the criminal complaint, she told officers the attack occurred during a verbal argument that escalated after Badaoui accused her of being unfaithful. She also reported that Badaoui had previously beaten her and threatened her with a knife on multiple occasions.
A second woman living in the home told investigators she was awakened by yelling and witnessed Badaoui actively stabbing the victim. The witness reportedly told police that Badaoui dragged the victim through the kitchen and into a bedroom while continuing the assault. According to court records, the witness stated that Badaoui told her he intended to kill his wife and then go to jail. She also described prior incidents in which he allegedly threatened to kill the victim and had previously choked her.
The witness further expressed concerns for the couple's children, saying they were fearful of him.
Defendant Admitted to Tracking Wife
Investigators learned that Badaoui had secretly placed a GPS tracking device on his wife's vehicle. During a post-arrest interview with Farmington police, Badaoui admitted to monitoring her movements. He told investigators he became upset after seeing her vehicle parked somewhere other than her workplace on the morning of the attack.
According to the complaint, he followed her movements and confronted her. The argument continued after returning home. Badaoui claimed the victim began insulting him and attempted to scratch his face. He told investigators he then grabbed a knife from the kitchen counter and began attacking her. Court records indicate Badaoui admitted to stabbing the victim multiple times during what he described as a rage-fueled confrontation.
Investigators recovered a blood-covered pocketknife from the residence. The complaint stated tissue was found on the blade.
County Attorney Responds
Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena said the sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense and the county's commitment to supporting victims of domestic violence.
"This was a brutal act of domestic violence that could have resulted in a loss of life," Keena said in a statement announcing the sentencing. "Today's sentencing reflects our commitment to victims and holding offenders accountable."
At the time charges were filed in 2025, Keena described the attack as particularly disturbing.
"The facts in this case are shocking and the terror the victim endured is unthinkable," Keena said following the filing of charges. "I'm grateful to the Farmington Police Department and the first responders who provided life-saving aid. My thoughts continue to be with the victim as she recovers."
Domestic Violence Resources
The Dakota County Attorney's Office reminded residents that help is available for those experiencing domestic violence.
Individuals seeking assistance can contact 360 Communities at 651-452-7288 or Minnesota Day One at 866-223-1111. Additional resources are available through Minnesota Day One's website.
Domestic violence victims in immediate danger should call 911.
Provided by Dakota County Jail.
Written by: Will Wight
