Diana Paxson (b 1943) is a well known author of fictional Historic and Mythic Fantasy, as well as religious and magicoreligious books written to both a pagan and heathen audience. In addition to her prolific writing, Diana also is the founder of the Society of Creative Anachronism, an elder in The Troth, and was a former First Officer in the Covenant of the Goddess. She posted to Facebook informing people of the very close call she had. A sceen-shot with transcription follows below:
Check in 1:
This may take several posts, as I am reporting on the I-phone and dealing with interruptions.
First, my son Ian and I are back from the hospital and sore but functional.
As many of you already know, on Friday evening ian and I were both wounded when Byron DeCles, a member of our extended family, broke through the front door, slashing wildly with a small knife. Ian had 8 or 9 cuts, 5 needing sutures, requiring a few sutures. The most dangerous hit his left ear but did not touch the ear drum. I got 2 needing a few sutures, a shallow slice on my neck and one that nicked the left temporal artery, resulting in a remarkable amount of blood on the floor.I am now coming to terms with the fact that although my wounds are shallow, they were in very vulnerable places, and am very grateful for Divine Protection.Ians shoulder was injured when Byron threw a 2×4 we had been using to brace the door at him. He then ran off. The police put out an alert and there are warrants for his arrest. Also phots from our security camera. While Ian grappled with Byron, I held a wad of paper towels to my head with my left hand I managed to dial 911 with my right. The police came quickly, and I got my first ambulance ride.
To be continued…
Diana Paxson, Facebook, December 10, 2023
The shocking news was also covered by her local news outlet, Berkeley Side, local police issued a shelter in place order then lifted it. Berkeley Scanner writer Emilie Raguso reported an update on December 12, 2023 that the suspect Byron DeCles had been arrested and charged with suspicion of attempted murder in relation to both victims. “According to preliminary information, he is related to the victims and has a history of mental health issues.”
One of my first exposures to the Germanic Gods came through her fictional book, The Wolf and Raven which I read as a teenager. I’ve also met her previously when she visited Texas some years ago where she was hosted by the Kindred I was a member of at the time. I’m horrified by this news. I wish her and her son a speedy recovery, and that they have continued safety in the days ahead. I pray that the perpetrator is caught so he will no longer pose a danger to others. May Hlin watch over you both until he is caught. May the Goddesses of Lyfjaberg help you and your son as you recover. May Tyr bring you justice.
Daughter of Marion Zimmer Bradley and convicted predator Walter Breen, Moira Greyland is a survivor of abuse at her own parents hands. Growing up she spent much time at Paxson’s home. Moira says Byron who attacked Diana and her son survived being sexually abused by Diana’s husband. The Troth voted to remove Paxson in May 2024 due to controversy.
Updated December 12, 2023 at 6:23pm C with the arrest update
Updated: May 12, 2024 at 1:36am C with Byron’s survivor status.
Wyrd Designs 
I am shocked. Diana’s fiction has been important to me since I was a teenager and found Brisingamen on a spinny rack at the stationery store. (The book, that is, not the necklace *g*). A month late, but I will keep her in my prayers.
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