Grand jury indicts Halverson’s spouse

A grand jury issued an indictment Wednesday against Edward Halverson, charging him with attempting to murder his wife, suspended District Court Judge Elizabeth Halverson.

The grand jury convened Tuesday in the basement of the Regional Justice Center to hear evidence against Edward Halverson, who is accused of hitting his wife in the head with a cast iron skillet on Sept. 4.

The jury foreman confirmed that the panel voted unanimously to indict the 49-year-old on charges of attempted murder with the use of a deadly weapon and battery constituting domestic violence with use of a deadly weapon resulting in substantial bodily harm.

He is scheduled to enter a plea on Oct. 1.

Elizabeth Halverson, who testified before the grand jury on Tuesday, received more than 100 stitches and staples in her head after the attack.

After the beating, and with her husband still in their home, she dialed 9-1-1 and summoned help. Edward Halverson was arrested that night. His bail remains at $113,000.

Neither Halverson was present on Wednesday when the indictment was announced during a brief hearing.

The indictment was announced in the 10th floor courtroom once occupied by Judge Halverson. She was removed from the bench in late July, 2007, after being accused of mistreating her staff, improperly communicating with jurors and falling asleep on the bench.

Edward Halverson's case was assigned to District Judge David Barker, who took over Judge Halverson's civil and criminal cases in April.