Arrest and Trial
Lorena Bobbitt was taken into custody. During the trial, the couple revealed details of their volatile relationship and the events leading up to the assault. She stated that her husband sexually, physically, and emotionally abused her during their marriage. She added that her husband flaunted his infidelities, and had forced her to have an abortion. Several witnesses provided testimony supporting her claims. Her defense attorneys maintained that John's constant abuse caused Lorena to eventually "snap" as she was suffering from clinical depression and a possible bout of post traumatic stress disorder due to the abuse. However, when Lorena was arrested the night of June 23, she told the police, "He always have orgasm, and he doesn't wait for me to have orgasm. He's selfish." John Bobbitt denied the allegations of abuse; however, when he was cross-examined, his statements often conflicted with known facts, severely weakening the prosecution's case.
After seven hours of deliberation, the jury found Lorena not guilty due to insanity causing an irresistible impulse to sexually wound her husband. As a result, she could not be held liable for her actions. Under state law, the judge ordered Lorena to undergo a 45-day evaluation period at Central State Hospital, located in Petersburg, Virginia, after which she would be released.
In 1995, after six years of marriage, Lorena and John divorced.
Read more about this topic: John And Lorena Bobbitt
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