Domestic Violence | Pennsylvania Family Law Blog - The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz - Part 3
Pennsylvania Domestic Violence Arrests
Police in Norristown arrested two men on Pennsylvania domestic violence charges, according to a news report. Brian Spangler, a 38-year-old Parker Ford man allegedly pulled a knife during a dispute with a woman in an office who had a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order against him. Police arrived at Logan Square Shopping Center at the woman’s place of work when they saw her look “visibly shaken.” The woman apparently told officers that she had a PFA. Spangler took off on foot, but police wrestled him to the ground and arrested him. He was charged with resisting arrest, simple assault, possessing a weapon and harassment. Read the rest »
Terrifying Santa Shooting Leaves Nine Dead
On Christmas Eve 2008, a man deranged from what he perceived to be an unfair divorce settlement went on a rampage in Covina, California. He killed eight relatives of his ex-wife before fleeing and then shooting himself in the head. According to the facts as investigators have pieced them together, the shooter, a man named Bruce Pardo, had recently completed his divorce settlement with his estranged ex, Silvia Pardo. Having been fired from his job in July, Pardo had fallen behind on his child support payments. He showed up to the home of Alisha and James Ortega dressed as Santa Claus carrying a gift box that contained an explosive liquid, which he used to light the Ortega’s house on fire. Bruce Jeffrey Pardo began his rampage by shooting an eight year old girl in the face. He then went on a gun slinging, fire starting rampage that ended with eight dead and several injured. Among the victims medical authorities expect to survive are two young women, ages 16 and 20, and the 8 year old victim who was shot in the face.
Following the shootings and torching of the Ortega’s house, Pardo escaped to the home of his brother in Sylmar. By the time police arrived on Thursday morning, Pardo had shot himself in the head. Read the rest »
Domestic Abusers Required to Have GPS Devices under New Michigan Law
More and more states are opting to fit domestic abusers and stalkers with GPS devices to monitor whether these individuals violate restraining orders. According to this news report, Michigan’s new law allows judges to order domestic violence suspects to wear GPS devices even before they go to trial in order to help alert victims of domestic violence if abusers are in the vicinity.
This law in Michigan and other states has been prompted by a slew of killings of women by ex-husbands or estranged husbands. These murders occurred although the women had obtained court orders to protect themselves. GPS devices have been traditionally used to track sex offenders. But technology has advanced to such an extent that domestic violence victims can get a call to their cell phone if the offender gets too close to a specific victim – be it a spouse or a child. Read the rest »
Pennsylvania Domestic Violence Deaths on the Rise
This has been one of the deadliest summers when it comes to domestic violence in Pennsylvania. According to an article in the Daily American, 24 people have died in connection with domestic violence since June 22 in Pennsylvania. This is a huge spike in domestic violence deaths in the state, according to the report released by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
A majority of these incidents had to do with acts of violence involving family members attacking other family members, said Somerset County District Attorney Jerry Spangler. He said there has also been an increase in applications for protection from abuse orders and criminal prosecutions for people violating these orders. In 2006, there were a total of 127 domestic violence homicides in Pennsylvania. For more information about domestic violence statistics, please visit the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Read the rest »
New Michigan Law Requires GPS Devices For Domestic Abusers
More and more states are opting to fit domestic abusers and stalkers with GPS devices to monitor whether these individuals violate restraining orders. According to this news report, Michigan’s new law allows judges to order domestic violence suspects to wear GPS devices even before they go to trial in order to help alert victims if abusers are in the vicinity. With this law in effect, enforcing divorce agreements will be much more effective. Read the rest »
Montgomery County Domestic Violence Victims Can Serve Own Protection Orders
A recent article in the Philadelphia Inquirer addressed a recent city council committee meeting where Pennsylvania’s system for serving protection-from-abuse orders was discussed. Unlike many other states, Pennsylvania domestic violence victims can serve their abusers with protection orders, although police officers remain the first choice for the task.
Advocates of the policy argue that victims of domestic violence in Philadelphia and other cities in Pennsylvania are the best judges of what action to take when it comes to serving protection orders. Victims can call 911 or go to a police station to have the orders served. Very often, police will gain valuable information by interviewing the victims, including details about the home, family relationships and children, and the nature of the abuser. Read the rest »
Wife of NBA Referee Charged in Betting Scandal Seeks Protective Order
This is an example of a dramatic divorce proceeding that has escalated into a domestic violence case. Kimberly L. Donaghy, wife of the former NBA referee charged in a betting scandal Tim Donaghy, has filed for a restraining order against her husband, who she said verbally and physically abused their children. Donaghy revealed in court papers that her husband threatened to hit her and abused their four children. The Donaghy’s, who are going through a divorce, had been married since 1995.
“I am scared for myself and my children.” Kimberly Donaghy wrote in court papers. “He is going to snap.”
Tim Donaghy, 41 was the centerpiece of a betting scandal that rocked the NBA last year when it was revealed that he provided betting picks to gambling associates based on information he was privy to because of his position as an NBA referee. It was also revealed at that time that Donaghy was an avid gambler himself and authorities allege he bet on games that he officiated. Donaghy plead guilty to charges he conspired to engage in wire fraud and transmitted betting information through interstate commerce. He faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced in April. Read the rest »
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