Seattle, WA – A 42-year-old man has been charged with first-degree assault with a deadly weapon after striking a 75-year-old woman in the eye with a wooden board. The incident occurred on the morning of December 5 outside the King County Courthouse.
Fale Pea, who has pleaded not guilty, allegedly approached Jeanette Marken as she waited to cross the street. Surveillance footage captured the moment he swung the board, causing severe injury.
Marken suffered severe damage to her right eye, which doctors have indicated cannot be restored. Eyewitnesses captured photos of the suspect following the attack while aiding the victim until emergency services arrived.
Pea was arrested by police in the vicinity shortly afterward. Body camera footage revealed officers recognized him from previous incidents on Third Avenue.
Paramedics questioned his reputation among law enforcement, as he has a history of violence. Records indicate he has faced multiple assault charges, including a stabbing incident.
A competency hearing for Pea was conducted on December 11, and a judge has deemed him fit to stand trial. He remains in custody with a bond set at $1 million.
The trial is anticipated to commence early next year. Family members of the victim have expressed concern over the nature of the incident and the broader implications of street violence in the area.