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  • Leonard Melton

    Leonard Melton
June 7, 2012

Bar stool becomes weapon in domestic abuse incident

Staff Writer The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — On Sunday, a verbal dispute at Shady Oaks Trailer Park, between a couple became violent and now one of the individuals faces charges of domestic abuse assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

According to an affidavit filed in Stephens County District Court, Leonard Don Melton, 49, of Jeronimo, was arrested by Stephens County Sheriff’s deputies at the Heritage Inn Motel in Duncan, after they responded to the call at Shady Oaks.

Melton’s wife, the victim, told deputies that they had been arguing since the early morning hours. Among the allegations were that he threw a bowl of cereal at her, and beat her with a bar stool. The affidavit also noted that the victim said her husband said he would take her to the hospital and also offered her $1,000 if she would press no charges.

Sheriff Wayne McKinney said the victim had numerous self-defense wounds on her forearms and  had been choked and was bleeding when deputies arrived on scene.

When deputies found Melton at the hotel, he was extremely intoxicated, McKinney said.

Melton appeared in district court Wednesday and his bond was set at $10,000 and ordered no contact with the victim. He is set to appear at 9 a.m. June 29 for a preliminary hearing conference.

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