Investigation prompts speculation of homicide

Victim may have died after weekend attack

Dist. Atty. Charles Branson was mum Tuesday on the condition of a 37-year-old woman who was the victim of weekend domestic violence at Gaslight Village mobile-home park, 1900 W. 31st St.

Late Tuesday, police detectives and uniformed officers in unmarked cars hovered around two separate trailer homes in Gaslight Village and instructed several people in those homes not to discuss the incident with reporters or others.

That and other activity prompted speculation throughout the day from courthouse sources that the woman had died from her injuries.

But Branson said he would neither confirm or deny that speculation.

The woman suffered internal injuries and possible broken bones and was admitted to Lawrence Memorial Hospital. LMH officials said Tuesday she no longer was a patient there. But their records did not say where she had gone. That suggested she had either been transported to another hospital or had perhaps died.

The woman’s boyfriend, Christopher Belone, 35, already has been charged with aggravated battery “whereby great bodily harm or death could result.” Branson said he likely would make an additional statement about the case this morning.

“If we receive additional information on the case, we would review the matter for any additional or amended charges,” he said.

According to a police report, the woman went to an acquaintance’s residence on Saturday at Gaslight Village, drank alcohol and went to sleep in one of the bedrooms. The report said she was awakened about 2:30 p.m. by Belone dragging her out of bed and beating her. At one point, he picked up a piece of wood and struck her in the face, the report said.

Lawrence Police said Tuesday they did not have any additional information to release about the case.