Michigan Woman To Stand Trial In Stabbing Of Mary J. Blige's Father
BATTLE CREEK (WWJ/AP) - A judge ordered a 50-year-old Michigan woman to stand trial on charges she stabbed the father of R&B singer Mary J. Blige during a domestic dispute.
Cheryl White, of Battle Creek, faces up to life in prison if convicted of assault with attempt to murder in the Jan. 23 attack on her 63-year-old boyfriend.
Thomas Blige testified this week that White attacked him with a knife after he caught her slashing his tires.
"I was up early getting ready for school and I saw Cheryl White slashing my tires," Blige said. "As I went to her, she started slashing me. She said something out of anger like, 'You won't mess with me."'
Paramedics later found Blige inside his apartment, on the floor in a pool of blood. A broken kitchen knife was also found nearby. Blige, who was conscious, was able to tell police that White attacked him. When she was arrested, White was still wearing blood splattered clothes.
Jeffrey Schroder, an attorney for White, argued that Blige's testimony about the incident was unclear.
"I don't know how anyone can believe that witness," Schroder said.
Blige said he was cut on the throat, lung and arm. He said he was able to run into a friend's apartment, where he was staying after a domestic dispute with White the day before.
"Me and Cheryl have serious domestic problems," Blige said. "The day before we were fighting and the police were called. We have verbal fights multiple times. An enormous number of times."
Blige denied that he tried to attack White after she stabbed him.
"I didn't chase her, I approached her," he said. "I was trying to embrace her out of love. I have never harmed her; I love her and I don't like the situation she is in."
Calhoun County District Judge Frank Line ordered the case to circuit court for trial. White is currently being held in the county jail.
Prior to the attack, officials said police had investigated at least seven reports of domestic violence between White and Blige in a five-month span.
Mary J. Blige is a Grammy award winner whose hits include "Real Love," "No More Drama" and "Family Affair."
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