Trial begins for man accused of beating teen girlfriend

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Trial is underway for a man accused of beating his girlfriend and sending her to the hospital in 2014.

Michael Hutton, 20, is charged with attempted murder, assault, assault by strangulation, kidnapping, and assault on a female, and assault inflicting serious bodily injury.

The alleged incident happened on May 24, 2014.

Prosecutors told the jury during opening statements Hannah Connaway, her friend Claudene Williams, and Michael Hutton were drinking together that night at Hutton’s house. Assistant District Attorney Lillian Salcines Bright said Hutton and Connaway were dating at the time. Hutton was untangling some fishing line when an argument started.

Claudene Williams was the first witness to take the stand.

Williams said Connaway told her the fight was embarrassing and that they should leave. Williams said that’s when Hutton started yelling louder and the couple went inside. Williams said there was screaming and then she heard a hitting sound. Williams said she tried to get in, but Hutton locked the door. She said Williams could see Hutton hitting Connaway while she was on the floor.

Williams said she saw Connaway running towards the back door bloody and yelling for her, but Hutton kept hitting her. Bright said Hutton told Williams to make her shut up or he was going to “put Hannah to sleep permanently.” That’s when Williams said Hutton put his hands around Connaway’s neck. She said eventually, Connaway was laying in the driveway no longer talking.

Then, Williams said another friend named Sunny and two guys showed up. That’s when Hutton threatened them to get off of his property or he was going to do the same thing to them. Bright said Hutton brought a cup of water out of the house and poured in on Connaway. Then, Williams said urine ran down the driveway. Bright said the jury will hear all of this testimony from Connaway, Williams and medical personnel.

Defense Attorney Miriam Thompson told the jury that they do not agree with the crimes that were committed that night. Thompson said Hutton will also testify about what happened. She said Hutton was a drug and alcohol addict at the time taking Xanax, smoking pot and drinking every day.

Thompson said Hutton was also taking Keppra at the time for seizures. Thompson said Hutton’s doctor told him not to drink or take other drugs while using this medication. She said this is not an excuse for his actions, but the defense will prove that he did not intend to kill Connaway. Thompson also said they will not dispute Connaway’s injuries. She said Hutton will apologize on the stand.

Thompson said Hutton will admit to assault inflicting serious bodily injury, assault on a female and assault by strangulation, but they will fight attempted murder, kidnapping, and another assault charge.