A Virginia couple is facing charges after police say they lured their elderly neighbor onto their property and beat him unconscious using a leaf blower and hammer in an escalating dispute over a shared property line.
Background
Louis Chevalier Sr., 70, and Gail Chevalier, 72, live on the 1100 block of Oakmont Court in Culpeper, Virginia — approximately 70 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. The couple had been engaged in a prolonged feud with their 73-year-old neighbor over the property line separating their homes.
According to authorities, the Chevaliers used a leaf blower to deliberately blow grass clippings onto the victim's property as a means of provoking him. Culpeper Police Chief Nicholas White described the situation to WTTG as involving significant bad blood between the neighbors that ultimately led to violence.
The Charges
On the morning of July 17, investigators say the Chevaliers lured the neighbor into their yard under false pretenses. Once there, authorities allege the assault began immediately.
Officers responding to a 911 call from the Chevaliers — who claimed self-defense — arrived at the victim's residence where they found him unconscious inside, suffering from severe bruising, multiple lacerations, and active bleeding from several wounds.
The investigation revealed disturbing details about the attack. Police said one of the suspects bit the victim's finger during the altercation. Louis Chevalier "admitted to gouging the victim's eye with his finger," according to investigators. The victim was struck repeatedly with a hammer, leaving patterned injuries consistent with both the head and claw of the tool. Investigators allege that Gail Chevalier struck the victim multiple times in the back of the head with the leaf blower.
Key Takeaways
- Louis Chevalier Sr., 70, and Gail Chevalier, 72, are each charged with malicious wounding in connection with the assault
- The 73-year-old victim remains hospitalized and "may have sustained permanent injury," according to medical staff
- Investigators recovered the victim's blood on Louis Chevalier Sr.'s shirt, on the hammer, and at the scene
- Police say suspects allegedly used paper towels to clean blood from their persons; the items were later recovered inside their residence
- The Chevaliers were arrested and booked into jail without bond
What's Next
Both Louis Chevalier Sr. and Gail Chevalier remain in custody following their arrests. They are scheduled to appear in court for preliminary proceedings related to the malicious wounding charges. The victim continues to receive medical treatment for his injuries, which include a laceration and depression to the back of his skull, numerous bruises, multiple lacerations requiring six stitches, and a concussion.