A man from Florida has been detained following accusations that he violently attacked his girlfriend while she was asleep, using a speaker and a kitchen utensil holder, and subsequently killed her dog, which tried to defend her.
Elliot Mack, aged 52, faces charges of domestic battery and animal cruelty related to the disturbing event that took place on October 20 in Bellview, located just north of The Villages.
According to a probable cause affidavit, a 911 caller repeatedly exclaimed, "He beat her," and described seeing blood smeared across the walls. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim "crawling" out of her residence, visibly bruised and bleeding from her face and mouth, appearing both frantic and confused.
The affidavit details the victim's account, stating that Mack, her boyfriend, assaulted her using a kitchen utensil holder and a speaker, before throwing a dresser on her as she lay in bed. Tragically, Mack is also accused of killing her Chihuahua, which attempted to protect her. Although the victim couldn't specify how the dog was killed, she recalled seeing its lifeless body and blood everywhere.
After initially fleeing the scene, Mack reportedly returned to further assault the victim, as per police reports. The victim feared for her life, believing Mack intended to return and end her life while depriving her of everything she owned.
A neighbor, who was contacted by the victim for help, informed officers of the situation. She dialed 911 after hearing the victim's distress and witnessed Mack leaving the scene. The neighbor expressed concern that if Mack saw the victim again, he would harm her. She also revealed that Mack allegedly assaults the victim two to three times weekly, yet these incidents often go unreported, according to the affidavit.
Paramedics checked the alleged victim out and determined her blood pressure was "dangerously high," but she declined to go to the hospital. Cops searched the home and found lots of blood and the dead dog in a pillowcase.
"Based on the apparent visible injuries, it appeared that the dog had unnecessarily suffered and died a cruel death," cops wrote.
Police obtained an arrest warrant for Mack and took him into custody on Nov. 3. Mack, who entered a not guilty plea, remains in the Marion County Jail without bond. His next court date is scheduled for Dec. 2.