Man accused of battery, violating judge's injunction

After being released on bail, he tried to contact his wife against orders, reports say.

By JAMIE MALERNEE

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 6, 2000

A man previously convicted of killing his wife ended up in jail Saturday, charged with domestic battery on his new wife. Two hours after his release, he was on his way back again.

Edward Connors of Spring Hill was charged with domestic battery Saturday after authorities say he choked his new wife and threatened to kill her if she called police.

Circuit Judge Daniel Merritt released him after he posted a $250 cash bond Sunday and ordered him not to contact his wife, not even through a third person. Immediately after getting out, however, officials say he tried to reach her by calling a mutual acquaintance.

When a deputy tried to arrest him in connection with violating the domestic violence injunction, Connors threw a propane torch at the deputy and threatened to stab him with a screwdriver, a sheriff's report said. In response, the deputy drew his gun and ordered him to drop the weapon, which Connors eventually did.

A search of Connors found a small plastic bag of cocaine, the report said. While taking Connors to jail, the deputy noted that Connors said he had killed his previous wife by "kicking her to death." A records check showed Connors had been convicted of manslaughter in New York, the report said.

Connors of 12316 Pitcairn St. in Spring Hill remained in jail Monday in lieu of $13,000 bail. He is charged with aggravated stalking, violating a domestic injunction, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence and possession of cocaine.

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