Brutal Domestic Violence Cases In Colo. Springs
Colorado Springs police are investigating three brutal domestic violence cases that happened within hours of each other.
The first happened at around 4:30 p.m. Thursday. Police said Charlmane Spence, 44, showed up at a local hospital battered and bruised.
She told police her live-in boyfriend, John Kerbs, 33, grabbed her, and began to punch and kick her to the ground. Once on the ground he attempted to smother her, then strangled her.
Police said they were looking for Kerbs on Friday morning. He is facing attempted first-degree murder charges. If you have any information on his whereabouts, call Springs police at 444-7000.
According to police, Michael Eckler, 25, was arrested after threatening his girlfriend and her one-year-old child with a gun around 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
Officers said he first threatened to kill himself. His girlfriend waited until Eckler fell asleep to report the crime.
Eckler has been arrested and faces a list of charges, including felony menacing, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, child abuse and harassment.
Child advocates with the nonprofit organization Court Appointed Special Advocates said children are especially at-risk in domestic violence cases because they are an easy target.
Executive Director Trudy Strewler said it is important for neighbors to report anything suspicious.
She also said helping a neighbor by baby-sitting a child could prevent abuse. According to Strewler, giving a parent just an hour to calm down can make a difference.
Officers said they are investigating a third domestic violence case.
Jonathan Cason, 22, was arrested after assaulting his live-in girlfriend around 12:30 a.m. Friday.
Police said Cason was drinking when the argument started. Cason punched the victim and began to strangle her, causing visible injury to her neck.
Cason was arrested and charged with second-degree assault.
According to police, the woman is expected to be alright.
Once again, police say if you suspect abuse, call them immediately at 444-7000.
