Ex-corrections officer accused of stabbing women

Putnam Co. Sheriff's Office says Charles Hendricks stabbed wife, step-daughter

Charles Hendrix

PALATKA, Fla. – The Putnam County Sheriff's Office says a former corrections officer from neighboring Bradford County stabbed his wife and 15-year-old step-daughter during an altercation early Thursday morning.

Deputies called to the home of Charles Hendrix on Old Peniel Road about 2 a.m. found the two women stabbed.  One was taken to Shands Medical Center in Gainesville and the other to Putnam County Medical Center.  Neither had life-threatening injuries.

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Charles Hendrix

Hendrix, 52, was arrested and charged with two counts of attempted murder and violation of probation. (Booking photo, right)

Hendrick was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon after shooting Lori Anne Jestes in June 2011.

Hendrix and Jestes -- who is now his wife -- claimed his Glock went off while he was cleaning it, but he was convicted and sentenced to 30 months of probation.

Jestes, who was a fellow corrections officer, wrote to the judge last year asking that his probation be reduced.

"He is a good man, a loving husband, and a great stepdad. I still maintain his innocence to this day and pray you find favor with our intentions for early termination," she wrote. [Read full letter to judge]

Hendrix mother says that despite the letter, their relationship was rocky.

"He had his bag packed and he was going to leave, and she was not going to let him leave," said Annette Harris' Hendrix's mother. "He wanted to get off probation so he could get a job and go on with his life."

Hendrix was being held without bond in the Putnam County Jail.