A 67-year-old Blackfoot, Idaho man is facing serious felony charges after police allege he attacked a woman he lived with using a pair of nunchucks because he was upset about having to walk home from the hospital.
Melvin Blackburn told investigators that his female roommate had punched him in the face the night before the June 21 incident, prompting him to seek medical treatment at a hospital, according to court documents obtained by East Idaho News. After doctors treated him for his injuries, Blackburn said he was forced to make the trek home on foot because the woman refused to pick him up.
Background
Upon arriving home, Blackburn immediately began arguing with the woman about the situation, police said. The confrontation escalated when, according to the woman's account, Blackburn retrieved a pair of nunchucks he owned and began striking her with the martial arts weapon, causing bruises to her arm and back.
Blackburn's version of events shifted multiple times during questioning, investigators noted. He eventually claimed he acted in self-defense after the woman attacked him upon his return from the hospital. According to Blackburn, he swung the nunchucks at the woman but never actually struck her.
"He was sitting on a stool when he started swinging the nunchucks at me," the woman told police. She said she knocked him off the stool before fleeing and calling 911.
The Investigation
Officers responded to the home and documented visible injuries on the woman. Despite Blackburn's claims that he had been attacked first, police noted he displayed no injuries himself. The Bingham County Sheriff's Office took Blackburn into custody following the incident.
Blackburn has been charged with felony aggravated battery with an enhancement for use of a deadly weapon. Court records indicate the charge carries significant potential penalties—a conviction could result in up to 30 years of incarceration.
Key Takeaways
- Melvin Blackburn, 67, of Blackfoot, Idaho, was arrested June 21 following an alleged nunchucks attack on his female roommate
- Police say Blackburn attacked after returning home from the hospital where he was treated for facial injuries allegedly inflicted by the woman earlier
- The victim sustained bruises to her arm and back; Blackburn had no visible injuries despite claiming self-defense
- His account of events changed several times during police questioning, according to investigators
- He faces one count of felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon enhancement that could result in up to 30 years imprisonment if convicted
What's Next
Blackburn is currently in custody awaiting further court proceedings. A preliminary hearing date has not yet been set. Prosecutors will need to present evidence supporting the aggravated battery charge and the deadly weapon enhancement before a judge determines whether sufficient cause exists to proceed to trial.