Suspended Judge Elizabeth Halverson is recovering in intensive care after an attack at her home late Thursday night.
She claims her husband tried to beat her to death with a frying pan.
Edward Halverson, 49, sat silent in the back of a police car as he was taken to jail. Halverson, who already has a lenghty criminal record, is charged with attempted murder, battery with a deadly weapon and battery with substantial bodily harm.
The 50 year-old judge called 911 late Thursday night, she said she needed help because her husband was going to beat her to death. Officers forced their way into the house and found Elizabeth Halverson in the bedroom; her upper body was covered in blood.
Ruth MacGregor, who has lived next door to the couple for ten years, rushed outside when she heard the sounds of sirens and a police helicopter. She told News 3 the Halverson's have a rocky relationship, and she's witnessed verbal abuse in the past.
"In a way it's kind of a surprise, because I've heard her say... just be nasty, being nasty," she said. MacGregor recalled times when she heard Elizabeth Halverson ordering her husband around, speculating that Edward may have been fed up with being bossed around. But she says she didn't hear a fight leading up to Thursday night's arrest.
The attack brings a tragic twist to an already turbulent year for the former District Court Judge. Questions about Halverson's attitude and decision-making led to her suspension in the summer of 2007. Last month the Nevada Judicial Discipline Commission heard testimony from a former courtroom staffer who said Halverson often complained about her husband, whom she referred to as "Evil Ed".
A former bailiff also testified that Halverson demanded meals and foot massages from her staff and often fell asleep on the bench.
Halverson's re-election campaign crumbled in the wake of her suspension, and she placed third during the Primary Election. She is still awaiting the outcome from her disciplinary hearing, which will determine whether she will be permanently barred from the bench.
