Woman Shouts “Jehova Down,” Gouges Elderly Woman's Eyes: Police

A woman was jailed on charges she abused an elderly female relative by poking the woman in the eyes and squeezing the woman so hard around the rib cage that she was bruised and unable to move for days.

During the attack, investigators allege that the suspect screamed, "Jehova Down."

Online court records don't list an attorney for 49-year-old Patricia Ann Fitzgerald, of Falls Township, Bucks County, who remained jailed Wednesday unable to post 10 percent of $50,000 bail.

In an affidavit of probable cause obtained by NBC10, police explain that the incident happened July 19, but Fitzgerald wasn't arraigned on aggravated assault and other charges until Tuesday, because police had to investigate the older woman's claims.

Fitzgerald entered the family member's Lakeview Terrace apartment, suddenly grabbed the victims hands very tight "and began to scream 'Jehova Down,'" according to the affidavit.

Jehova, or "Jehovah," is a name sometimes associated with God in scriptures.

Police allege that Fitzpatrick then bear hugged the victim for several minutes -- ignoring the woman's repeated requests to be let go -- until throwing the victim down onto the bed.

Investigators say Fitzpatrick ordered the victim to open her eyes and then proceeded to jam her fingers into the eyes. The more the victim pleaded, the more she told police, Fitzpatrick dug her fingers deeper.

After the attack, Fitzpatrick left, according to investigators.

Police blacked out the victim's name in the affidavit to protect her identity.

Police say the alleged victim waited three days to report the attack in her apartment because she couldn't move due to the injuries, which left her hospitalized with severe bruises on her ribs, scratches on her back, and severely swollen eyes.

Fitzgerald faces a preliminary hearing Sept. 4.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us