By Nancy I. Maanao
(Tumon, Guam) Prosecutor Steven Haderlie is pressing charges against Agat resident Ricardo Sanchez Fernandez, whom Mr. Haderlie and witnesses allege beat his wife. His wife woke from a coma this past January and has been bedridden since.
The woman had been on the phone with another woman, who told police she overhead Mr. Fernandez repeatedly yell at his wife, "You need to die." She responded, "Rick stop hitting me. Rick, stop." The witness told police the victim sounded like she was crying. The witness said she overheard the violence for about two minutes before the witness's mother hung up the phone. The witness's mother also overheard the events.
According to Mr. Haderlie's magistrates report, Mr. Fernandez's neighbors have overheard yelling and objects being thrown around the house on a number of occasions.
According to Mr. Haderlie's report:
"On or about March 23, 2020 at 10:17 a.m., police responded to a report of a disturbance at a residence in Agat. Upon arriving at the residence, a male identified as RICARDO SANCHEZ FERNANDEZ (“Defendant”) opened the door and spoke with police. Defendant allowed police to enter and check on his wife, ------------ (“Victim”). When police entered Victim’s bedroom, Victim immediately said, “Call 911.” Victim told police that. Defendant struck her once in the face with an open hand during an argument about food. Defendant told police he only threw a pillow at Victim. Police noted no visible injury to her face. but saw that she had redness to her whole face."
Mr. Fernandez is the primary caregiver for his wife.
Mr. Haderlie is bringing misdemeanor family violence charges against Mr. Fernandez.
