A Fortville man, identified as Reymundo Abel Blanco, has received a 10-year sentence after being convicted of domestic battery and threatening the victim with a firearm. The incident, which took place on February 17, 2024, led officers to a home where they found a woman who had suffered a broken nose and other injuries indicative of an assault. In a statement published on social media by Hancock County Prosecutor Brent Eaton, it was revealed that Blanco was apprehended at the scene and the victim had bravely recounted the violent events to the authorities. The sentencing was detailed to have occurred yesterday.
Upon the officers' arrival at the scene after a distress call around 9:13 a.m., they were confronted by the victim's sister who informed them about the ongoing situation inside the home. The Fortville Police Department successfully managed to quickly detain Blanco and to uncover multiple firearms within the residence, one of which was alleged to have been used to intimidate the victim during the altercation. Blanco had denied the allegations of assault, claiming the victim had self-inflicted her injuries, even though he admitted to previously handling firearms, despite his status as a felon, according to the prosecutor's social media post.
The severity of the victim's injuries was confirmed by hospital staff who treated her subsequent to the attack. Prosecutor Brent Eaton pointed to the horrific nature of the crime, stating, "This was a brutal and deeply disturbing act of violence against a woman in her own home, in front of her children."
