Hotel gardener arrested for allegedly punching common-law wife’s face

A hotel gardener was arrested for allegedly punching his common-law wife on the face twice during an argument over his missing car keys at her parents’ house in Kagman on Sunday night.

Mark Palacios Camacho, 31, was taken to Superior Court yesterday for bail hearing on charges of assault and battery, disturbing the peace, and criminal mischief.

The victim’s nose was bleeding and her lower lip sustained a small cut. Her lips were swollen, police said.

At yesterday’s bail hearing, Associate Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio maintained the $5,000 cash bail that the court originally imposed in issuing the arrest warrant.

Assistant public defender Cindy Nesbit was appointed as counsel for Camacho. Assistant attorney general Barbara Cepeda appeared for the government.

Preliminary hearing will be on June 24 at 9am.

Police Detective Peter A. Aldan stated in his report that two police officers responded to the victim’s house on Sunday at 8pm after she called 911 for police’s assistance against Camacho.

Aldan said when the officers arrived, Camacho had just left the house and the victim stated she was fine and would not file a complaint.

Aldan said later at 9:03pm, the victim called 911 again as Camacho was allegedly creating a disturbance.

Aldan said when a police officer arrived at the house a few minutes after the call, he observed the victim carrying an infant girl and her lips appeared swollen.

The victim alleged that Camacho punched her before he left the house.

Aldan said investigation showed that the victim was with four of five children and Camacho in the living room.

As one child was crying because it was hot, the victim asked Camacho to bring their son into the bedroom. Camacho got mad and told her she’s controlling.

As the argument ensued, Camacho yelled at her as he wanted to leave the house but could not find his car keys. She called 911, but when a police officer arrived she asked the officer to disregard her call as Camacho already left and she was fine.

Camacho, however, later returned to the house. He messed up the bedroom, looking for his car keys. He then punched the wooden bedroom door.

Camacho’s father arrived and dropped off the spare key.

When Camacho’s father left, the two continued their argument. He then allegedly punched her on the nose and mouth. She dialed 911 again for assistance.

Camacho left the house and drove to his parents’ house in Dandan. A police officer followed Camacho and arrested him that same night. The victim estimated that repair for the damaged bedroom door would cost over $100.

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