More than 40 organizations from around the country representing domestic violence victims are urging the Dane County district attorney not to press charges against a Madison woman accused of killing her estranged boyfriend in August.
Police said that Cierra Finkley stabbed Terrence Woods after he violated a restraining order by forcing his way into her apartment. On the day of the stabbing, Finkley had called the police after Woods allegedly tried to run over her and her young daughter in his car.
A number of national organizations were among the groups that signed a letter to District Attorney Ismael Ozanne urging him to rule that stabbing was in self-defense.
Stay informed on the latest news
Sign up for WPR’s email newsletter.
Former New Jersey prosecutor Terry Garvey trains police and district attorneys on how to handle domestic violence homicides. She said in cases like this, prosecutors have a lot of discretion.
“You might (charge and) consider all the mitigating factors in extending a plea offer or there might be a charge, and nevertheless, the person might be appropriate for diversion into some other kind of program,” Garvey said.
Ozanne said he is still reviewing evidence in the case.
Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2024, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.
