Halverson to leave hospital, testify

District Judge Elizabeth Halverson is expected to leave temporarily the hospital on Tuesday to testify before a grand jury, which will be impaneled to hear evidence related to the attempted murder charges filed against her husband.

Halverson has been hospitalized since Sept. 4, when her husband, Edward Halverson, is alleged to have beaten her multiple times in the head with a cast iron skillet.

The judge placed a 911 call during which she tried to keep her husband appeased while begging the dispatcher for help.

Las Vegas police showed up at the couple's residence near Tropicana Avenue and U.S. Highway 95 and arrested the 49-year-old husband.

A preliminary hearing for Edward Halverson is scheduled for Sept. 25. If a grand jury indicts him before that date, the case will be bound over for trial.

Elizabeth Halverson's longtime friend, Bobbi Tackett, said she is disappointed the judge has to testify so soon. She has more than 100 staples in her head and suffers from constant headaches.

Tackett said she expects the judge to remain at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center for an additional three weeks.

"She is just so depressed; I don't understand why they can't hold it (the hearing) off," Tackett said. "I don't know how we're going to take her there."

Elizabeth Halverson was suspended last year after she allowed her personal bodyguards into secured courthouse areas without the property security check.

She also was accused of mistreating her staff, falling asleep on the bench and improperly communicating with jurors.

Last month, the 50-year-old judge appeared before the Nevada Judicial Discipline Commission, which has yet to rule on her behavior. The commission has the power to remove her from the bench.

Contact reporter Adrienne Packer at apacker @reviewjournal.com or 702-384-8710.