During the trial of a former police officer charged with domestic violence, the prosecution has likened his behavior to a "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," who beat and sexually assaulted his ex-girlfriend and then presented himself to friends as "an upstanding citizen, someone to be admired," as reported by the Fresno Bee.
According to the prosecution, K.P., 35, a veteran of both the Iraqi and Afghanistan wars, is accused of punching, choking and sexually abusing his former girlfriend. She has suffered with bruises and scratches on her face, arms and body.
K.P.'s attorney, E. Marshal Hodgkins, said that his client, a former Clovis police officer, does not have a dual personality. If anything, claims Hodgkins, it's his former girlfriend/victim that has a Jekyll and Hyde personality.
Hodgkins said that the victim is a pathological liar, a drunkard and an abuser of prescription pills. While the pair lived together the victim had relationships with another Clovis police officer and a sheriff's deputy.
Prosecutor Kelly Smith said that K.P. often experienced a jealous rage if he just learned that his ex had spoken to another man. He would then abuse her and, when he was done, he would threaten her life. According to Smith, K.P., 5'10" tall and weighing 210 pounds, told the victim, who is approximately 5'5" tall and 140 pounds, "If you ruin my life it's a bullet in your head and a bullet in mine."
Hodgkins countered by saying his client only acted in defense, it was the alleged victim that kicked, slugged and tried to scratch him. K.P.'s fault, or crime as Hodgkins put it, was being in love with her. K.P. only wanted to help her and her teenaged daughter during their nine-month relationship. Hodgkins added, "He's not charged with being stupid. If he was, I would plead him guilty."
K.P. is facing six felony charges of corporal injury, assault and false imprisonment, as well as two misdemeanor counts of violating a court order preventing him from going near the victim.
K.P. was offered a plea deal in November, however, he rejected it. In accepting the deal K.P. would have had to plead guilty to one felony count of domestic violence and one misdemeanor. Now, if he is convicted on all charges he faces a lengthy prison term.
The first complaint was filed in May of 2013. A month later, in June, police came to their home and saw the victim bruised on her arms, left cheek and wearing a torn shirt. The victim then recounted for police how K.P. had pushed, choked and dragged her.
K.P. resigned from the department following the June arrest.
Later in 2013, on September 18, K.P. violated his court order of no-contact with his ex and was accused of committing corporal injury. On October 14 he attempted to get his ex to agree not to testify against him, failing to adhere to the non-contact order a second time.
Both K.P. and his victim are expected to testify during the trial. Another woman, who allegedly had a previous abusive relationship with K.P., is also expected to testify.
According to Hodgkins the two victims know each other and "want to get" K.P.
If you are the victim of domestic violence contact a family law attorney for help right away. By working with an attorney, you can mount the evidence against your abuser and work to end your nightmare!
