The Hillsdale County Circuit Court held a pre-trial hearing for Hillsdale resident Lucas Allen McDaniel on Sept. 24. McDaniel pleaded guilty to three criminal charges.
McDaniel was originally charged with eight counts including attempted murder. He accepted a bargain, pleading guilty to malicious destruction of police property, assault with a dangerous weapon, and aggravated stalking. Because he is a third time offender, McDaniel could face up to 15 years of jail time.
In addition to jail, McDaniel will have to pay restitution of almost $2,000, as well as medical bills for the woman he injured.
McDaniel, dressed in a green jumpsuit smattered in paint, arrived in court with his hands chained to his waist. During the hearing, he appeared unfazed when recounting his crimes.
McDaniel received a restraining order from his estranged wife, according to court testimony. Despite this, McDaniel continued to try to contact her by means of Facebook, texting, and phone calls. On July 28, while intoxicated, McDaniel walked into the house of his estranged wife at 3 a.m. He brought with him friends from a party and his current girlfriend.
McDaniel entered his wife’s bedroom upstairs, where she was sleeping with their two children, who are 8 and 6 years old.
He soon began to fight with his wife regarding previous adultery, according to court testimony. The verbal fight quickly escalated into violence.
McDaniel physically beat his wife and told her repeatedly that he would kill her. He then took the metal crutch his wife was using for a broken ankle and used it to repeatedly assault her.
McDaniel left his wife’s home shortly after the assault and was soon arrested by the Hillsdale Police Department.
When he was put inside the police car, McDaniel began to yell and then kicked in the door “to get their attention” to find out what he was charged with. Damages cost the department over $1,000.
Sentencing for McDaniel will be held Oct. 29.
