DC Officer Faces 42 Charges in Domestic Abuse Case

A Washington DC grand jury indicted District of Columbia police officer Kenneth L. Nelson yesterday with 42 charges. Nelson repeatedly battered and threatened to kill his wife and tormented his 8-year-old stepson with an extension cord. Nelson's violence also extended to the family cats, Tigger and Frisky, whom he killed.

Despite a court order restricting Nelson from contact with his family, Nelson continued to stalk and terrorize his wife. Earlier this year, Nelson entered the family's home and threatened his wife with a long knife and homemade noose. Nelson grabbed his wife by the neck as their three children watched, telling her he would kill them if she report his abuse.

Nelson is scheduled for arraignment this month. If convicted, he faces up to life imprisonment.

Media Resources: Washington Post - November 18, 1998

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