By Staff
CASSOPOLIS – Richard Kiner of Dowagiac was convicted Tuesday of domestic violence as a result of slamming an iron into his then-wife's head, hitting her head into the ground and finally punching her several times in the face. The incident occurred May 10, 2005.
Sept. 26 Cass County Assistant Prosecutor Tiffiny Vohwinkle successfully argued to a six-person jury that Kiner, 42, of 710 E. Prairie Ronde St., needed to be held accountable for beating the woman.
Vohwinkle, who specializes in the prosecution of domestic violence cases, entered evidence of a prior assault by Kiner on his wife to show that Kiner had a plan when attacking her.
Prosecutor Victor Fitz said, "It is unlikely that the first attack reported is the first assault the victim has gone through."
Fourth District Court Judge Paul Deats immediately sentenced the defendant to nine months probation with the possibility of 70 days in jail if Kiner does not comply with probation, fines and costs associated with the case.
"The tide is turning against spouse beaters," Fitz said. "Jurors and the court system have no toleration for this assertive behavior."