5 Eyewitness News reported on a tragic case of domestic violence that occurred near Minneapolis, Minnesota in mid-February.

Corey Perry was with his brother at a Minneapolis area restaurant, Eat Street Social Restaurant and Bar, when he got into an altercation. The altercation was with a restaurant employee and left Perry agitated. Perry's brother then left and Perry called his 28-year old fiancee, Trisha Nelson, to come get him. The couple got into an argument on the way home which culminated with Perry killing Nelson by shooting her and running her over at an intersection in nearby Plymouth, Minnesota. Perry was subsequently killed in a shootout with police though it was unclear whether it was the police that killed Perry or if he killed himself. It is also unclear how Perry was able to obtain a firearm. He had a criminal record and shouldn't have been able to purchase a gun as a convicted felon.

Perry's sister, Lauren Perry, believes that her brother's actions were a result of his mental health issues. According to Perry's family, the 28-year old "was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and Tourette's syndrome."

But, according to the news article, "mental health advocates say mental illness does not cause violent acts." Rather, stated Sue Abderholden of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota, mental illness could be a contributing factor. She stated that "the majority of people with mental illnesses do not commit violent acts and the majority of violent acts are likewise, committed by people without a history of mental illness."

Domestic violence crimes are serious crimes and should not be treated lightly. In the State of Washington, domestic violence is defined in RCW 26.50.010 as:

(a) Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault, between family or household members;

(b) sexual assault of one family or household member by another; or

(c) stalking as defined in RCW 9A.46.110 of one family or household member by another family or household member.

A domestic violence charge can lead to significant penalties. These charges are usually a gross misdemeanor or a felony. Under RCW 9A.20.021, the penalties for a gross misdemeanor can be up to a 364 days in jail and a maximum fine of $5,000. The penalty for a felony depends on the classification of the felony. A class A felony can be punished by a maximum of life in prison and a $50,000 fine, a Class B felony can be punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $20,000 fine, and a Class C felony is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

If you are facing domestic violence charges please do not hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Steve Karimi today for a free consultation.