Most Charges Dismissed In Cross Beating Case

ROCHESTER HILLS (WWJ/AP) - A judge has dismissed most charges against a suburban Detroit man who authorities say beat his girlfriend with a 2-foot metal cross during an hours-long assault.

The Oakland Press of Pontiac reports Craig Savage is scheduled for trial April 20 on a misdemeanor aggravated domestic violence charge. Felony charges were dismissed Monday in Rochester Hills after the woman failed to show up for three hearings.

Defense attorney Steven Lynch says he's prepared to fight the remaining misdemeanor charge.

Authorities say the 29-year-old Savage assaulted his 31-year-old girlfriend the morning of Dec. 23 at an apartment in Oakland County's Oxford Township, during an attack that lasted nearly five hours. Authorities say Savage's girlfriend was able to leave after he fell asleep.

The earlier felony charges in the case included second-degree criminal sexual conduct and unlawful imprisonment.

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