Woman admits she tried to kill her daughters

Sylvia Sieferman, who attempted to kill her two young children with a knife and an ax, pleaded guilty today in Ramsey County District Court to two counts of attempted second degree murder.

The 61-year-old Roseville woman agreed to a plea agreement of 200 months -- more than 16 years -- in prison. Sentencing is set for July 2.

Her daughters, who were both 11 when the crime occurred last August, were taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul and have since recovered. "I understand they are doing well," said Paul Rogosheske, defense attorney.

Rogosheske said that Sieferman will agree to terminate her parental rights later this month and allow the girls to be adopted by relatives.

Friends said Sieferman adopted the girls from China, and was under financial pressures and other stresses before attacking the girls Aug. 21. Charges said Sieferman stabbed and slashed one girl's throat and left her for dead. She attacked the second girl with an ax and stabbed her before the girl escaped to a neighbor's house.

Sieferman called 911 and calmly told a dispatcher, "Come now, I've killed my children," according to 911 transcripts.