Couple on trial for 2007 brawl
by Shaka S. Lias
Feb 25, 2011 | 2709 views | 0 0 comments | 10 10 recommendations | email to a friend | print
The trial of Steve and Donna Bradshaw will continue today in Bartow County Superior Court.

Donna Bradshaw is charged with tampering with evidence and hindering a law enforcement officer, while her husband is charged with three counts of aggravated assault and four counts of terroristic threats in a Thanksgiving Day 2007 fight.

According to court testimony the fight happened at Donna Bradshaw's mother house in Adairsville.

Witness after witness was called upon Thursday afternoon recounting what happened.

A brother of Donna Bradshaw was the first to take the stand, he said an disagreement between him and Steve Bradshaw started during a conversation about tattoos between some other family members.

Bradshaw stated that anyone with tattoos is not a Christian. To which the witness replied that his mother has a tattoo. "Are you saying my mama's not a Christian?" the witness asked Bradshaw.

Bradshaw informed him that he was not referring to his mother.

The witness testified that another argument started between the two when he attempted to light a cigarette.

Bradshaw told him not to smoke in the house and the witness told him he could smoke in the house if he wanted because the house was in his name.

More arguing ensued between Bradshaw and other family members and a fight broke out ending in a nephew allegedly being severely cut on the arm by Bradshaw.

The stabbing victim testified that his dad wrapped his arm with a shirt.

"I felt like I was about to pass out from all the blood lost," he said.

His dad also testified that he immediately rushed his son to the hospital where he underwent surgery.

More witnesses testified on behalf on the state, recanting in part the same testimonies as previously stated.

The last testimony of the day came from Deputy Stephanie Sanford, formerly with Bartow County Sheriff Office.

Sanford, who is now with Gordon County, testified that she was dispatched to the residence at 4:34 p.m.

She said upon arriving on the scene Steve Bradshaw had been handcuffed by officers. She noticed what appeared to be blood on the sidewalk next to the home.

She was told that the weapon in the alleged cutting had not been found. Upon asking where the weapon was, two people on the scene told her that Donna Bradshaw had it.

Sanford said she asked Donna Bradshaw where the knife was but she refused to cooperate.

"I'm not telling you anything," Sanford testified Bradshaw said.

Sanford said she informed Bradshaw that she was obstructing the investigation and would be arrested.

Upon placing handcuffs on Bradshaw, the knife was found in her back pocket.

"I can't go against my husband," Bradshaw said to Sanford while being led to the patrol car.

Closing arguments from both sides are expected to begin this morning with Judge Shepherd Howell presiding.