Connecticut Woman Charged with Murder Amid Claims of Domestic Abuse
Destiny Smith faces murder charges after her boyfriend's death, with her family asserting she acted in self-defense due to alleged prolonged abuse.
A Connecticut woman has been charged with the murder of her boyfriend following a fatal altercation Friday. Destiny Smith, 39, was arrested and charged with the killing of Joseph Rodriguez, 35, at their Waterbury home.
Deputies responding to a report of a bleeding man discovered Rodriguez with apparent stab wounds to his chest and arm. Smith was found in possession of a knife at the scene, according to police.
However, Smith's family has come forward with claims that she was a victim of domestic abuse by Rodriguez. Her sister, Jacqueline Hightower, stated that Smith suffers from PTSD due to abuse and that evidence will show Smith was defending herself. "My sister suffers from PTSD from being abused and all of the evidence that we are collecting is going to show that my sister defended herself," Hightower told News 8.
Authorities confirmed that Rodriguez had an extensive history of domestic violence, referencing a video that reportedly shows him physically abusing Smith. This video was allegedly filmed by a witness outside their home, according to Smith's sister.
Smith's attorney stated that the police report indicates Rodriguez had been violent towards her for a significant period, and that he had struck her and knocked her to the ground on the day of the incident.
Family, friends, and community members gathered outside the courthouse wearing purple, a color associated with domestic violence awareness, to show their support for Smith. "That's why we wear purple, to stand behind domestic violence to know that it is not okay," Hightower said. "My sister has the right to fair trial, the right to speak up to what she endured behind closed doors, because at the end of the day no woman should feel like they cannot speak up and they cannot defend themselves because they are going to be scrutinized. That's not okay."
Smith was initially held on a $2 million bond, which has since been reduced to $750,000. Her next court appearance is scheduled for October 13. The Waterbury Police Department and Smith's family have been contacted for further information.