Opinion ID: 2607459
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The assault on the Marks family

Text: Sandy Marks testified as follows: One afternoon in May 1976, she and her sister Jackie and their four young children were present in Jackie's apartment. Defendant, who apparently managed the building, appeared at the door and demanded the rent. Jackie indicated that she would not pay rent until she spoke to the owner about building repairs. Defendant became upset and shoved Jackie  who was seven months pregnant  across the room. Sandy  who was on crutches with a broken foot  stood up to help her sister but was slapped by defendant and knocked to the floor. Defendant then smacked Sandy's son on the head as he ran outside to call the police. Defendant picked up a broom and threatened the women until the police arrived a short time later. One of the responding officers testified that defendant was arrested for battery and that Sandy had an abrasion on her cheek. Sandy and the officer each testified that defendant threatened the women in the officers' presence (you bitches are dead). The penalty jury learned through stipulation of the parties that battery charges involving the two women were dismissed in exchange for defendant's plea of guilty to one count of disturbing the peace, a misdemeanor. [8]