From Hernia to Handcuffs: Domestic Drama Escalates Quickly
A domestic squabble that began with a washcloth quickly escalated into something much worse, according to Marion County deputies.
Sherry Mahle told officers that she was trying to comfort her ex-husband-turned-boyfriend, Chris Mahle, who wasn’t feeling great due to a hernia. But when she handed him a wet washcloth, he allegedly tossed it back, hitting her in the face. Apparently, that was only the beginning.
After yelling at her to leave, Chris allegedly grabbed Sherry by the arm and back of her nightgown, pulling it tightly enough around her neck to make breathing difficult. He then shoved her out of the room and proceeded to throw things inside, witness Nicole Smart told deputies.
When Sherry re-entered the room, Chris allegedly chased her, at which point she locked herself in the bedroom and told him she was calling the cops. Chris allegedly responded with a chilling threat: “If you call the cops, I will [expletive] kill you.”
Deputies observed bruising and redness on Sherry’s neck and arm consistent with her claims. While Chris initially denied any physical altercation, he later admitted to grabbing her wrist, though he insisted he wasn’t responsible for her injuries.
Chris Mahle was arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail.
