BY DAN HILDEBRAN
Telegraph Staff Writer
STARKE— A 35-year-old Starke man was sentenced to 20 months in prison after pleading to felony battery- repeat offender.
William Earl Kapellen was also sentenced to two months of drug offender probation.
Deputy Hiram Gonzalez wrote in an arrest report that the victim said the defendant woke up in a bad mood.
“(The victim) advised that on today’s date, William woke up in a bad mood and tried to make her go inside the residence,” wrote Gonzalez. “When she refused, William grabbed her by the neck, preventing her from being able to breathe for a few seconds.”
The deputy added that once Kapellen released his grip, he punched the victim in the face with a closed fist several times before she was able to get away and call 911.
“At that point,” Gonzalez added, “he became more angry and attempted to hang up the phone. Once he knew law enforcement was en route, he ran into the woods wearing all camo clothing.
