Felony domestic suspect waives hearing

SANDPOINT — A Priest River man was bound over Wednesday to stand trial for allegedly breaking a woman’s jaw and attempting to strangle her during a domestic dispute.

Joseph Edward Brumley waived his right to a preliminary hearing, clearing the way for his arraignment in 1st District Court on Aug. 6. The waiver amounted to tacit agreement that the state has enough evidence to justify a trial.

Brumley, 27, is charged with attacking the woman on June 4. Brumley denied the allegations when he was questioned by a sheriff’s deputy, according to court documents.

Chief Public Defender Isabella Robertson moved for Brumley’s $25,000 bail to be reduced, contending her client took the alleged victim to the hospital, but never hit or struck her.

Deputy Prosecutor Katie Murdock opposed a reduced bail.

“There were serious injuries,” she told Judge Justin Julian.

Judge Justin Julian declined to reduce Brumley’s bail, citing the woman’s broken jaw.

“That’s some pretty serious stuff,” Julian said.