BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The preliminary hearing for a Calhoun County man charged with killing his wife began Tuesday.
Chris Carpenter allegedly beat his wife Joyce so severely that she died. He dropped her off at the hospital after the beating last December, telling emergency room personnel that two women had beaten her and that he had pulled them off of her. Police found his story to be inconsistent with the injuries she suffered and he was eventually charged in her murder.
Officers Tuesday testified as to Joyce's condition when they first saw her at the hospital.
"Her face was severely swollen," said Officer Lynette Fuller, formerly with the Battle Creek Police Department. "The right corner of her lip, about two inches up, was sliced open. She really couldn’t talk very well. Anytime she would, blood would pour out of her mouth."
Five officers in total testified. The preliminary hearing is scheduled to resume Wednesday.
