Holbrook Case: "Battered" Defense Allowed

<p><em><a href="mailto:payettepc@interlochen.org">By Eric VanDussen</a></em></p> <p>A woman accused of murder will be allowed to argue to a jury that she acted in self-defense, even though she was not being attacked. Joni Holbrook says her husband Melvin raped and assaulted her for years, and she suffers from "Battered Woman Syndrome."</p> <p>Benzie County's prosecutor wanted the defense thrown out, but yesterday Circuit Court Judge James Batzer reaffirmed an earlier decision to allow her argument. He says the law of Michigan allows her to make the case.<br /> <br />"I don't see a way to challenge Battered Woman Syndrome's use as part of self defense," he said in court. <br /> <br />Melvin Paul Holbrook was shot in his bed last August, and his wife Joni told a 911 dispatcher that she committed the homicide. Her murder trial is to begin July 7th.</p>