BATTLE CREEK (WKZO) — The suspect in a troubling case of domestic abuse in Battle Creek is expected to be formally charged with murder on Monday.
Friends and investigators say that Joyce Carpenter was beaten beyond recognition.
They allege she was repeatedly punched in the head by her husband in early December.
She was eventually dropped off at Bronson Battle Creek Emergencyby her husband after she promised him she would blame the attack on a group of other women.
She told authorities the truth and two days later she died.
By that time 31-year-old Christopher Carpenter was already in custody for aggravated Domestic Abuse.
On Friday, after all the test results were back, a warrant was issued, charging Carpenter with open murder and assault with intent to murder, fleeing from police and interfering with communications, for refusing to let her call 9-1-1 on the night she was beaten.