People v. Paris CA4/2

FACTS

On August 10, 2011, defendant was living with Jane Doe, his fiancée. They went

to the home of a neighbor, Curtis Hartwell. They had a drink or two while visiting with

Hartwell and then returned home. Doe and defendant drank most of a bottle of vodka

and two quarts of beer while playing dominoes. An argument started when defendant

wanted to go somewhere but Doe wanted to stay home. The argument escalated, and

defendant sought to restrain Doe from leaving. He put his hands on her and perhaps hit

her. Doe eventually ran to Hartwell’s house. She told Hartwell that defendant had hit her

and asked if she could come in.

A few minutes later, defendant came to Hartwell’s house and asked if he could

come in. Defendant was initially conciliatory toward Doe. He brought a burrito and tried

to get her to eat. When she refused, defendant became enraged and began choking her.

Hartwell pulled defendant off her, and Doe ran into the bedroom and closed the door.

Defendant entered the bedroom and grabbed Doe. She fell to the floor, and he began

kicking her and stomping her in the back.

3 At some point during the altercation, Hartwell called 911. He also intervened

again and got…