Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Woman Attacked By Stepchildren

   A West Point resident sought medical attention Monday afternoon after she was allegedly assaulted by her stepchildren inside her Aaron Branch Road home.

   The victim was brought to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department by her daughter shortly after the attack. Deputies report that the woman had bruises on her left arm that were bleeding. Before she could give a statement, deputies report that she began to hyperventilate and feel sick. An ambulance was then summoned to transport the victim to Crockett Hospital.

   At the hospital, deputies spoke with the victim once again. She indicated that around 4:00 p.m. she had instructed her stepson to help her pick beans in the garden. While in the garden, she said she saw him speaking with his sister. The two then left, riding a four wheeler.

   Later, the victim said she noticed her stepson had returned and was feeding the chickens and ducks. When he entered the home, she said she told him she wanted him to leave because he would not help out around the house. When the stepdaughter entered her home, the woman said she told her to leave, as well.

   An argument ensued, the victim said, during which the stepdaughter physically attacked her and the stepson joined in the fracas.

   The victim stated that her husband attempted to break up the fight by pulling his children off her. When she attempted to call for help, the victim reports that her stepdaughter pulled the telephone line from the wall.

   The victim told deputies that she was able to make her way to the car and drive herself to a neighbor’s home nearby. There she placed a call to her daughter, asking that she pick her up.

   Warrants were obtained against the stepchildren. Jeffery Leo Rochelle, 20, and Julie Elizabeth Rochelle, 23, are each charged with one count of aggravated assault, domestic violence.

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