Carol Stream man pleads not guilty to wife's murder

A Carol Stream man who has claimed he was acting in self-defense pleaded not guilty Wednesday to first-degree murder charges in his wife's fatal stabbing.

Clifford Bolden, 35, was arraigned before DuPage County Judge Daniel Guerin. Bolden also faces charges of aggravated domestic battery and armed violence.

Authorities said Bolden stabbed his 42-year-old wife, Hope Taylor, in the chest and face early Oct. 19 after he returned to their East Gundersen Drive apartment and found her stuffing his belongings into bags. Police said the couple had argued moments earlier.

Taylor was hospitalized with a collapsed lung and cut to her face; she died Monday, authorities said. On Tuesday, a grand jury indicted Bolden on murder charges.

Bolden faces 20 to 60 years if convicted, unless he's found eligible for an extended term, said Assistant State's Attorney Mike Pawl.

Police said Bolden ran to an undisclosed business in the area of Schmale and St. Charles Roads after the stabbing and called 911, claiming self-defense. He made similar statements at an earlier bond hearing.

“She stabbed me and I defended myself,” Bolden told a judge in October.

Court records show Taylor took out an order of protection from Bolden earlier this year.

Bolden remained jailed Wednesday on $5 million bail. Pawl said the amount was increased from $750,000 after Tuesday's indictment.

Bolden returns to court Dec. 16. Assistant Public Defender Kyle Rubeck has been appointed to represent him.