Taunton mayor's domestic violence case is going to trial
TAUNTON, Mass. (WPRI) — Taunton Mayor Shaunna O'Connell appeared in Attleboro District Court on Friday after asking a judge to dismiss a domestic assault case against her.
The mayor is accused of assaulting her husband at their Worcester Street home back in July. According to court documents, O'Connell allegedly bit her husband and hit him with a gasket scraper.
BACKGROUND: Taunton mayor accused of biting, assaulting husband
At the hearing, O'Connell was flanked by her husband and daughter. Her husband, the alleged victim in the case, kept his arm around his wife.
Taunton Mayor Shaunna O'Connell appeared at the hearing, flanked by her husband, the alleged victim in the case. (Justin White/ WPRI-TV)
Court documents say the mayor had asked the judge to dismiss the case because "the alleged victim is her husband, and that the parties have reconciled." The documents also show that O'Connell's husband would refuse to testify at trial.
Prosecutors argued that it would be "inappropriate" to dismiss the case, given that O'Connell is facing a felony charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
The judge dismissed the defense's motion, opting to send the case to a jury trial.
O'Connell pleaded not guilty to the felony charge, as well as a misdemeanor count of assault and battery on a family member. She was ordered not to abuse the victim.
A pretrial hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 12.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, seek help immediately:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Rhode Island
Helpline RI: 800-494-8100Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center: 800-494-8100Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center: 401-738-1700Women's Resource Center: 401-846-5263Crossroads RI: 401-861-2760
Massachusetts
SafeLink: 877-785-2020SSTAR Women's Center: 508-675-0087The Women's Center: 508-999-6636New Hope: 800-323-HOPE (4673)Health Imperatives: 508-588-TALK (8255)
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