An Estate Contant woman has suffered extensive and perhaps permanent facial damage as a result of an attack in which her husband allegedly threw a liquid suspected to be acid-based on her face and hair.
Territorial Court Judge Rhys S. Hodge found probable cause Monday to charge Ray "Skinner" Thomas Sr. with second-degree assault and domestic violence.
Police investigator Celeste Christopher-Potter testified that the victim, Maria Thomas, told police her husband threw a beer bottle filled with an acid-type substance at her when she arrived home Friday night. "She was about to open the front door of their home when he walked up to her, threw the bottle's contents in her face, and told her to live with this for the rest of her life," Potter told the court. He then fled the area, she added.
The victim was transported to the Roy L. Schneider Hospital for treatment of extensive facial burns, according to the court testimony. Police have samples of the liquid from the victim's clothing and "will conduct tests to determine what the substance was," Smith said under questioning from Hodge.
On Saturday, the woman's husband surrendered at the Investigation Bureau. Detectives had gone to his workplace and an area he frequents to look for him.
Public Defender Leslie Payton argued that the $75,000 bail was excessive and should be reduced to $20,000 and that his client should be allowed to post 10 percent of bail for his release.
Assistant Attorney General Delia Smith argued that the $75,000 bail was not excessive. "This is no simple assault," she said. "This is a heinous, unconscionable act. . . To reduce bail or let him out is equivalent to giving him a license to finish what he started."
Hodge directed Payton to place all bail reduction motions in writing saying he would act on them as he saw fit. "I do not have enough information on the case and the victim to rule on bail reduction motions now," he said. Thomas remained jailed in lieu of the bail.
In other court action Monday:
— The court found probable cause to charge Leon Powell in connection with an incident in Savan on Saturday evening. Powell faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a dangerous weapon and disturbing the peace. He allegedly pulled a gun on a woman after she stepped into an argument he was having with her nephew. Police officer Albion George testified Monday that Powell pulled the weapon on Monica Webbe and threatened to kill her. Powell was allowed to post ten percent of $25,000 bail.
— Eric Chinnery was charged with aggravated assault for allegedly striking his child's mother on July 3. Potter testified that Chinnery "kicked the woman, pulled out her hair braids and hit her about the body with his hands after she refused to comply with his order not to go to St. John."
At one point, Potter testified, "Chinnery attempted to strangle the victim." The victim's mother attempted to stop the fight and she was also injured and was taken by ambulance to the hospital for treatment.
The arraignment date for all defendants who appeared in court Monday is July 20.