HAZEL PARK (WWJ) - A Hazel Park man who admitted to stabbing his girlfriend to death will spend 30 years to life in prison.
"I'll never forgive myself. I don't want mercy," 36-year-old Benjamin Wozniak told the judge before the sentenced was handed down in an Oakland County courtroom Wednesday.
Natalie Urso-Dudash, 37, was stabbed 17 times back in January at a home on Hughes Avenue, near 9 Mile and Dequindre roads
Wozniak, who earlier pleaded guilty to a charge second degree murder, sat and listened as several of Urso-Dudash's family members delivered victim impact statements.
"I cannot even put into words the sorrow I feel daily," the victim's mother, Gina Dudash said. "Natalie is in my thoughts every day. She is the first thought in the morning when I open my eyes to the pit in my stomach reminds me she's no longer here."
"I hope your days are long and your nights are restless," she said. "I hope you think about the daughter and mother you took from our lives. I hope her last words and look on her face haunt you forever."
Wozniak had fathered children with Urso and authorities said the two were still living together, The two boys were home asleep at the time of the slaying and were not injured.
Wozniak was arrested after another girlfriend called police to report he was acting strangely, and officers conducting a welfare check found Urso-Dudash dead.
The alleged murder weapon, a large knife, was found nearby on the lawn of a religious youth center.
Judge Cheryl Matthews called Wozniak, who offered a brief apology, "heartless" and "repulsive."
An obituary for Urso-Dudash describes her as a creative, passionate, and strong-willed firecracker of a woman who left a lasting impression.
"She was thoughtful. She was kind. She was supportive," the obituary continues. "She wanted nothing more than the best for her children and family, and anyone that knew her would agree. Many of her loved ones will remember her for her quick wit and sense of humor. She had the ability to walk into a room and have everyone laughing within minutes. She found ways to relate to others and make anyone feel comfortable. There was always something to talk about with Natalie. She was genuinely interested in getting to know about others and their journeys. Perhaps Natalie's most admirable quality was her resilience. Her ability to find strength despite difficult circumstances was second to none."
