FIRST ON 3: Teen allegedly beaten by boyfriend opens eyes, communicates with friends

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Hannah Connaway’s friend Claudene Williams said Connaway opened her eyes and communicated with friends and family Wednesday.

They said she was talking hoarsely, telling them she loves them and is happy to see them. A hospital spokeswoman said Connaway is in fair condition.

Witnesses said the 17-year-old girl’s boyfriend beat her so badly she had to have brain surgery and be put in a medically-induced coma Friday. Her alleged attacker, Michael Hutton, 18, is still in jail under a $1 million bond. He denied our request for a jailhouse interview Wednesday.

At the New Hanover County Courthouse Tuesday, Montgomery Register said she dated Michael Hutton for more than five years.

“He’s not a good guy,” Register said.

She said she worried this day might come for her or anyone else who dated him.

“People that know me know the things I’ve been put through,” she said.

Meanwhile, we’re learning more about what warrants show Hannah Connaway went through Friday night. Warrants said it happened inside Michael Hutton’s home off of Northwoods Drive in Wilmington.

She was chased and assaulted multiple times. She was hit repeatedly with a closed fist in the head causing brain swelling and then choked hard enough to bruise her neck and to close her airway. Police said all of this happened while the suspect yelled at her to stop screaming.

WWAY went to the home Wednesday to see if anyone could tell us their account of what happened but no one answered the door.

But, Register had more to say.

“I know what kind of person he is and the things that were said in the courtroom by his attorney were not what should have been painted about him,” Register said.

In New Hanover County Court Tuesday, Hutton’s attorney said Friday’s incident might have been sparked by a bad combination of alcohol and medication Hutton takes to prevent seizures.

Register wasn’t at the home Friday but she said she worried Hutton would hurt her when they were dating.

“I have nightmares about it. Yes, I do,” she said adding that she’s glad to see Hutton behind bars.