A Mountain View woman is facing a third-degree domestic assault charge after officers say they found a woman with blood on her lips, redness on her neck and cheek, and a bite mark on her finger following a violent confrontation early Thursday morning, October 29, 2026. Paula Jean Balliet was taken into custody and held on a $5,000 bond after the alleged attack, which authorities say happened inside a residence with a 12-year-old child present.
According to Ozark Radio News, officers were dispatched to a residence within Mountain View city limits around 2:40 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026, for a reported physical domestic disturbance. Investigators allege that Balliet shoved a woman against a wall, grabbed at her throat, attempted to headbutt her, struck her in the mouth, and bit her finger during the confrontation.
Injuries Documented at the Scene
Officers reported observing blood around the victim's lips, redness on her neck and cheek, and a bite mark on her finger, per the same account. According to court documents, Balliet appeared intoxicated when officers arrived and was arrested on suspicion of domestic assault in the third degree.
Balliet was transported to Howell County Jail, where she was held on the $5,000 bond, the article notes.
Case Now in Howell County Court
A probable cause statement outlining the allegations was filed in Howell County Circuit Court on Wednesday.
Under Missouri law, a person commits third-degree domestic assault if they attempt to cause substantial bodily harm or knowingly cause bodily harm to a domestic victim, as defined under state law, according to Missouri Revised Statutes Section 565.074. That statute outlines the elements of the charge Balliet is accused of violating, though it does not speak to the facts of this specific case.
