NEW YORK (AP) — A New York City councilman accused of intentionally slashing his girlfriend in the face with a broken glass called it an "unfortunate accident" on Saturday.
"I have been charged with offenses that I did not commit and am not capable of committing," Hiram Monserrate, a Democratic councilman and state senator-elect, said in a statement a day after he was arrested on domestic violence charges.
Monserrate got into an argument with girlfriend Karla Giraldo, 30, early Friday at his Queens house, according to a criminal complaint. Giraldo said Monserrate broke a glass in his hand and cut her face with it, causing her to need 20 stitches around her left eye.
In court papers, Monserrate has said he tripped while holding a glass of water, and the glass accidentally hit his girlfriend.
During Monserrate's arraignment Friday, a prosecutor said Giraldo had changed her story, also saying the injury was an accident and asking not to proceed with charges.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Monserrate Falsely Accused
From the Associated Press:
