×

Centralia woman charged with January hatchet attack on another woman

By WJBD Staff Mar 12, 2024 | 8:39 AM

A 34-year-old Centralia woman has been formally charged in Marion County Court with aggravated battery and obstructing identification following a January incident where she allegedly hit another woman in the head with the flat portion of a hatchet.

Jessica Murray of North Maple was taken into custody over the weekend by Sandoval Police in connection with the incident that allegedly occurred during a disagreement at a home in the 300 block of South Maple.  She’s also accused of giving Sandoval Police a false or fictitious name.

The 42-year-old Centralia woman who was the alleged victim was taken via private vehicle to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital where she was treated and released.

Sandoval Police Chief Joe Lyons said at the time of the incident the alleged victim was visiting a friend.

Marion County State’s Attorney Tim Hudspeth asked that Murray be held without bond based on failing to appear in court on three occasions in 2022 and 2023.  The request was rejected by Judge Mark Stedelin who released Murray on conditions until an April 30th preliminary hearing.