By Le Floridien Staff __________
A Virginia couple in their 70s has been charged after police say they lured their longtime neighbor onto their property before launching a violent assault with a hammer and a leaf blower during an ongoing dispute over a shared property line.
According to the Culpeper Police Department, Louis Chevalier Sr., 70, and Gail Chevalier, 72, both of Culpeper, Virginia, were arrested and charged with malicious wounding following the July 17 attack. Investigators allege the couple deliberately provoked their 73-year-old neighbor by blowing grass onto his property with a leaf blower before enticing him into their yard. Once he entered the property, police say the couple attacked him, striking him repeatedly with a hammer and a leaf blower.
Authorities said the victim was found unconscious inside his home after the Chevaliers called 911, initially claiming they had acted in self-defense. Responding officers discovered the man suffering from severe bruises, multiple lacerations, and heavy bleeding. He was transported to a hospital, where he received six stitches and was diagnosed with a skull laceration, a depression fracture to the back of his head, a concussion, and numerous other injuries. Medical personnel reportedly warned that some of his injuries could be permanent, and he remains hospitalized.
The police investigation, however, uncovered evidence that contradicted the couple’s version of events. Detectives recovered the victim’s blood on Louis Chevalier Sr.’s shirt, on the hammer allegedly used in the assault, and throughout the scene. Investigators also found paper towels inside the Chevaliers’ home that they believe were used to wipe away the victim’s blood.
Police further allege that during the attack, one of the suspects bit the victim’s finger, while Louis Chevalier admitted to gouging the man’s eye with his finger. Investigators also say the victim was repeatedly struck with a hammer, leaving distinctive marks matching both the hammer’s head and claw. Gail Chevalier is accused of striking the victim several times in the back of the head with a leaf blower.
Both suspects were arrested and booked into jail without bond.
Culpeper Police Chief Nicholas White described the incident as highly unusual for the quiet Virginia town.
“They live in a relatively quiet neighborhood,” White told local television station WTTG. “There are some pretty hard feelings between these two particular neighbors that led to this particular event.”
The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare to move forward with the case.
