Judge Halverson’s husband sentenced in frying pan attack

By Mary Manning

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009 | 10:29 a.m.

A District Court judge sentenced the husband of former Judge Elizabeth Halverson to three to 10 years in prison today for the beating of his wife with a frying pan last year.

District Judge David Barker sentenced 49-year-old Edward Halverson on one count of battery with a deadly weapon resulting in substantial bodily harm.

Edward Halverson took an Alford plea on Oct. 24, avoiding a trial when he pleaded guilty to the one count after he attacked Judge Halverson with a frying pan on Sept. 4.

Under that plea, prosecutors agreed to drop a charge of attempted murder. Edward Halverson's plea means he doesn't admit to being guilty, but he believes there is enough evidence to convict him at a trial.

Barker set a restitution hearing for Feb. 13.

Judge Halverson called Metro Police to their home near Tropicana Avenue and U.S. 95 on Sept. 4 to report that her husband had beaten her with a frying pan.

Police arrested Edward Halverson, and Judge Halverson spent two weeks in a local hospital with severe injuries. She lost re-election to the bench and underwent a disciplinary hearing. She is appealing her removal from the bench.