Our society is pretty good about filling in the gaps when it comes to helping everyone meet their needs. But there are some sad cases in which it is apparent a person did not receive the help he or she should have had. Sometimes, there are sad and disastrous consequences to these societal failings.

That seems to be the story behind a stabbing in Ann Arundel County that occurred on Monday, Jan. 9. Police believe a husband stabbed his wife in an attempt to murder her and then stabbed himself in a suicide attempt. Both the man and woman, who live in Brooklyn Park, are in "serious but stable condition" at Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

The husband is being watched by a police guard, even as he does his best to recuperate from his life-threatening injuries. Authorities have said he will be charged, most likely with assault or attempted murder, after he is released.

Police believe the 43-year-old man stabbed his wife and then himself following an argument. It is not known whether the couple had a history of domestic disagreements.

This sad and frightening incident might be one of those times in which someone did not get much-needed help. We do not know for sure, but it could be that this man had a mental illness that made him think violence was an acceptable answer. Perhaps he and his wife badly needed couples therapy so one or both could find healthier ways to deal with anger. Either way, it seems some needs went un-addressed here and now two people are suffering as a result.

Source: The Baltimore Sun, "Brooklyn Park man stabbed wife, himself, Arundel police say," Andrea F. Siegel, Jan. 9, 2012