Man charged with kidnapping, stabbing woman sentenced to 20 years

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Officials said Rodney Helton's 20-year prison sentence will likely begin Thursday after being charged with attempted murder.
 
After inviting an online escort to his grandparent's home near Mount Holly, police said he beat, stabbed choked and got angry at the victim because she would not die.
 
Helton was eager to read his apology in court.
 
"I do know that it was wrong," said Helton.  "I will spend the rest of my life with regret."
 
Helton said his actions last September were inexcusable.
When the escort arrived he beat her, raped her twice, then tied her up and put her in a car. Helton's grandparents were coming home from church as Helton jumped into the car.

Prosecutor Beth Stockwell said the grandparents called 911 for help after seeing the victim.
 
"The victim (raised) her bound hands up together to show the grandparents what was going on as a cry for help," said Beth Stockwell.
 
The grandparents followed Helton until they couldn't keep up.  Helton stopped at the dead-end road, beat the woman again and then stabbed her several times. He went into the woods and came back moments later to find her still breathing.
 
"He made a statement to her, 'Why are you not dead yet?' and began beating her some more," said Stockwell.
 
The family would like to thank his grandparents for calling the police and saving her life. They believe the grandparents' quick thinking is the reason why the woman is alive today.
 
Helton will get credit for about 275 days he spent in jail while waiting for his hearing.