Woman Accused of Biting off Sister's Nose, Faces Felony Charges
Bobbie J. Smith has given new meaning to the expression keep your nose out of it.
The 27-year-old Jonesville woman faces felony charges for allegedly biting off her sister’s nose.
According to the Jackson Citizen, Bobbie Smith bit Sandra Smith, 28, and one-third of her nose was gone. Police said the younger sister bit off “a significant portion” of Sandra Smith’s nose during a fight Sunday. Police recovered the detached piece.
Bobbie Smith, who had no visible injuries, told the judge she was drunk at the time and acting in self-defense. Sandra Smith hit her first, she said.
Officials say it is unclear how the fight began.
This case is similar to the Tennessee lawyer Mark Lambert, who allegedly bit a chunk out of another man's nose in a public restroom, as previously discussed in this blog. Lambert also said he was acting in self defense.
Lambert's alleged victim Greg Herbers will require extensive plastic surgery to repair his face after the attack. He is seeking $5,000,000 in damages.
Bobbie Smith now faces several charges including mayhem, the cutting off or out or disabling of a tongue, eyes, ears, a nose, limb, organ or other body member, and assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder. Both are felonies punishable by a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison or a fine of up to $5,000.
In general, the legal term for mayhem encompasses aggravated assault and involves intentional crippling, disfigurement, or mutilation of another.
In addition, she is charged with aggravated domestic violence, resisting or obstructing an officer and malicious destruction of police property.
Jackson County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Mark Blumer said mayhem is an old, unusual crime. He has only charged it a couple times in his career.
- Woman accused of biting off part of sister's nose (Associated Press)
- Michigan woman charged with mayhem (UPI.com)
- Assault and Battery (FindLaw)
- Classifications of Crimes (provided by Denner Pellegrino, LLP)
- Assault (provided by Law Offices of Gary Churak, P.C.)