Man pleads guilty in hammer attack

September 19, 1997

By MARLO BARNHART

Staff Writer

A Hagerstown man accused of attacking his former girlfriend with a claw hammer on April 28 pleaded guilty to second-degree assault Thursday morning, moments after the victim testified before a Washington County Circuit Court jury.

Levi Holman, 33, had been charged with first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and attempted second-degree murder, according to court records.

Holman and his attorney, Daniel Mahone, requested a jury trial Thursday, after Holman pleaded not guilty on all charges.

Assistant Washington County State's Attorney Duane Gigeous said the victim, Teresa Ann Smith, took the stand and told the jury about the attack.

Smith, 32, of 1503 Broadfording Road, testified Holman attacked her with a claw hammer on April 28 in the early morning hours.

She was struck repeatedly on her head and body during the assault at her home and was admitted to Washington County Hospital, court records said.

At the time, Holman was Smith's longtime boyfriend, court records said.

Holman was threatening Smith with an iron when Washington County sheriff's deputies arrived at the home shortly after 3 a.m. to check out a neighbor's complaint, court records said.

Smith was taken to the hospital by Community Rescue Service personnel, police said.

Gigeous said Smith made it clear in court she didn't concur with the state's decision Thursday to accept Holman's plea to second-degree assault. That offense carries a maximum 10-year sentence.

Judge Fred Wright ordered Holman held without bond at Washington County Detention Center pending completion of a pre-sentence investigation.

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