Former PU student pleads guilty but mentally ill; used a phone cord in attack

TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) – A former Purdue student accused of attacking another student with a phone cord has pleaded guilty to the crime.

Twenty-two-year-old Boda Wu entered a plea of guilty but mentally ill to battery by means of a deadly weapon in a Tippecanoe County courtroom Wednesday afternoon.

The victim in the August 2014 incident said Wu came up to her and wrapped a phone cord around her neck. She managed to scream and get untangled from the cord.

According to court documents, that’s when Wu grabbed her throat with both hands. Witnesses got hold of Wu and held him down until police arrived.

Wu will be given a sentence equal to time served and he will be allowed to return to China. His four remaining charges will be dismissed if the court accepts the agreement.

Wu’s sentencing is set for July 21.