Bat attack suspect enters not guilty plea
KEITH KINNAIRD | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 10 months AGO
SANDPOINT — A young Bonner County woman accused of attacking a teenager with a baseball bat is pleading not guilty to a felony battery charge.
Caitlyn Grace Haskins’ plea set the stage for two-day jury trial in 1st District Court in December. She is free on a $50,000 surety bond while the case is pending.
Haskins, 18, is accused of attacking a 16-year with the bat during a confrontation at City Beach on July 2.
The alleged victim told Sandpoint Police that Haskins and a 17-year-old whose name is redacted in court records approached as she exited her vehicle. The 17-year-old allegedly struck her in the face and threw her to the ground, according to a probable cause affidavit.
While the teen was down, Haskins struck her in the head with the bat, the affidavit alleges.
Haskins denied wielding a bat during the confrontation, but did admit to striking her in the face with her fist, according to court documents.
Haskins’ supporters, meanwhile, point to social media postings in which the 17-year-old appears to admit beating up the teen.
Charging documents alternately accuses Haskins of using a deadly weapon during the battery and/or causing great bodily harm or disfigurement.
The 17-year-old is reportedly charged with misdemeanor battery, although the case is being adjudicated behind closed doors because she is a minor.
Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.
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