Maile Marshall was simply sweeping dirt from her driveway when a stranger allegedly blindsided her with a violent attack that left the 29-year-old Tucson woman with a concussion, cactus thorns embedded in her thigh and bruises covering much of her body.
Background
According to a probable cause arrest affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, Marshall was performing routine yard work at her Tucson home on Friday when she noticed Henry Roberts making eye contact with her from outside the gate. The victim told police Roberts made her feel uncomfortable as he continued watching her. When she attempted to close the gate, Roberts rushed toward her and slipped inside just before she could secure it.
Marshall told local NBC affiliate KVOA that she tried to defend herself with her broom but missed. 'He walks through this gate, lifts his fist. And I lift the broom and he just tackles me into a cactus,' Marshall said in an interview describing the attack.
The Charges
Roberts, 44, is facing two counts of aggravated assault in connection with the alleged attack on Marshall, according to police records from the Tucson Police Department. The affidavit states that once inside the gate, Roberts allegedly knocked Marshall to the ground near a cactus and straddled her while repeatedly punching her face approximately 10 to 15 times.
The victim told investigators she believed Roberts was going to kill her as he continued his attack with another five to 10 punches, bringing the total number of strikes to more than 20. She screamed for help throughout the assault, according to police documents.
A neighbor heard the commotion and rushed outside to assist. Roberts fled the scene, but the good Samaritan managed to photograph him as he escaped, authorities said. Those photos were posted on social media and helped police identify and locate Roberts, who was arrested the following day.
After receiving his Miranda rights, Roberts admitted to attacking Marshall, according to investigators. He claimed that while crossing the street, Marshall 'flipped him the bird,' which prompted his violent response. Police reported that Roberts acknowledged hitting her approximately 10 times while she was on the ground.
Marshall suffered a concussion, a contusion on her forehead larger than a quarter, and numerous scratches and bruises across her body from both the attack and contact with the cactus, according to the affidavit.
Key Takeaways
- Henry Roberts, 44, has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault following an alleged random attack in Tucson, Arizona
- Victim Maile Marshall, 29, sustained a concussion, facial contusion larger than a quarter, and cactus thorns embedded in her thigh during the assault
- Police say Roberts admitted to attacking the victim after receiving his Miranda rights
- A neighbor's photographs posted on social media helped officers identify and locate the suspect within hours of the incident
- Roberts remains held at Pima County Jail on $30,000 bond
What's Next
Roberts is scheduled to appear in Pima County Superior Court for his next court appearance. The case will proceed through the criminal justice system with both counts of aggravated assault pending resolution. Marshall told KVOA she hopes for accountability as she continues recovering from both her physical injuries and the psychological trauma of the unprovoked attack.
'This is not just another case number,' Marshall said. 'This is my emotional well-being and this is something I am going to have to live with for the rest of my life.'