The Arizona Republic, February 17, 1998

Attacker took 'my world away' Star's look-alike assaulted in home By Jennifer Barrett

When she was in her early 20s, Britney Marx used her singing skills and striking resemblance to Stevie Nicks to launch a career as a celebrity impersonator.

Even now, a decade after she left the stage to become an animal rights activist, the 33-year-old Scottsdale woman is flattered when people tell her she looks like the Fleetwood Mac singer.

But last week, for the first time, Marx wished she didn't bear such a strong resemblance to Nicks.

Marx said that Wednesday morning a masked man broke into her Scottsdale home, punched her, wrapped a belt around her neck, and told her, "If I can't have Stevie Nicks, I'm going to have you." She said he then sexually assaulted her.

"He told me he has been watching me for months," Marx said in an interview Monday. "He has taken my world away from me. I'm devastated and my family is devastated."

Marx's sister, Theresa, 31, who discovered Marx when she went to her home that morning, said she still can't believe her sister was attacked.

"I'm more numb than anything, I still haven't really sat down and thought about it."

Marx's sister called police at 10:30 a.m. Marx was then transported to Paradise Valley Hospital, where she was treated and released, said spokeswoman Cathy Deimeke.

Marx described her attacker as a husky White man, about 6 feet tall, with a round face and protruding belly. He was wearing a ski mask.

Phoenix police have no suspects in custody at this time and are still investigating the assault, said Sgt. Mike Torres. He said detectives are also evaluating results of Marx's physical examination. "There's not much we can say right now."

Britney Marx said she has something to say to her attacker.

"I sure would like him to know I'm not going to take it laying down like he made me do the first time," she said. "I'm going to fight back. He told me he is going to come back for me . . . I have Arizona watching now."

Marx said she hasn't been able to do much during the past five days and has lost 6 pounds. She is anxious to get back to work.

The founder of the Scottsdale-based foundation Protect Animals Through Angels has run the no-kill shelter for about 18 months, rescuing and rehabilitating animals from around the nation and placing them in homes. The day before she was assaulted, Marx was at Planet Hollywood selling calendars at a benefit to raise money for her foundation.

Among the celebrity pets posing in the foundation's "Calendar of Angels" is Sara the Yorkshire terrier and her owner, Stevie Nicks.

Neighbors and friends said they are shocked by the attack.

"It just adds to the injustice that it happened to someone who is so...loving and willing to give of themselves," a neighbor said.

Thanks to C.L. Moon for posting this to the Stevie Nicks newsgroup and to Anusha for sending it to us.