Crime & Safety
Man Accused of Choking, Beating Wife Who Requested Divorce
Victim bleeding profusely from head after incident outside Pacifica restaurant.
A Southern California man has been charged with attempted murder after he choked and beat his wife outside a Pacifica restaurant when she told him she wanted a divorce, according to the District Attorney's office.
John Howard Hunt, 66, of Julian, was arrested Saturday after San Mateo County Sheriff's deputies responded to reports of an injured woman near state Highway 1 at about 11:50 a.m., District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said.
Hunt and his wife of 21 years had been driving up the coast when they stopped in Pacifica for breakfast, Wagstaffe said.
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Outside the restaurant, Hunt's wife allegedly told him she wanted to get a divorce, and he attacked her, according to prosecutors.
Hunt allegedly tied a belt around the victim's neck and choked her, Wagstaffe said. He then beat her head repeatedly against the car.
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When deputies arrived, the victim was bleeding profusely from her head and was in and out of consciousness. She was airlifted to Stanford University Hospital.
Hunt was found nearby and arrested.
He has been charged with attempted murder, domestic violence, felony assault and felony assault during a domestic assault, Wagstaffe said.
Hunt is being held without bail in San Mateo County jail. He is scheduled to enter a plea on May 15.
He faces 12 years to life in prison if convicted.
— Bay City News
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