Criminal Law: Second-Degree Assault – Domestic Violence – Sufficiency Of Evidence

Where a defendant, who beat his wife’s face with his fists, argued that he did not violate the statutory prohibition against injury to a family member “by any means, including but not limited to, by use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, or by choking or strangulation,” the defendant’s interpretation goes against the legislative intent, so the conviction is affirmed.

Judgment is affirmed.

State v. Shelton (MLW No. 63335/Case No. SD31058 – 4 pages) (Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District, Scott, J.) Appealed from circuit court, Greene County, Holden, J. (Craig A. Johnston for appellant) (Chris Koster and Laura E. Elsbury for respondent).

Read the full text of this opinion. (PDF)