Police Charge Mom's Boyfriend In Assault Of Elementary School Teacher
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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Police have charged a second person in connection with last week's brutal attack of a Pittsburgh Public School teacher near the West End Bridge.
Vincent Beasley is now facing multiple charges in the incident, including three felony counts of aggravated assault, as well as conspiracy and stalking charges.
Beasley is the boyfriend of Dai'Shonta Williams, 29, who was arrested and charged last week in the case. She is the mother of a fourth grader at the school where the victim teaches.
Williams was expected to be released from the Allegheny County Jail after she posted $50,000 bail on Monday.
The victim, 46-year-old Janice Watkins, is still recovering from her injuries.
According to police, Williams assaulted Watkins from the front while Beasley grabbed the teacher from behind, grabbing her hair and punching her in the face and body.
But Beasley's attorney says that's not the case.
"All he sees is a fight occurring on the middle of the street. My understanding is he breaks it up. He stops the two people from fighting," said attorney Al Burke.
Police said Williams was riding in Beasley's car before the assault took place. But Burke says his client had no idea Williams was going after Watkins.
"I don't think Mr. Beasley knows the teacher or what kind of vehicle she's driving. So the first knowledge he receives from the situation is when his girlfriend jumps and goes to this other car," Burke said.
Investigators say it all stemmed from an incident at the Pittsburgh King PreK-8 School earlier in the day after Watkins confiscated a cell phone from Williams' daughter.
Williams reportedly did not like how the situation was handled, and allegedly said of Watkins, "She is going to get it later." The little girl accused the teacher of trying to choke her, and officials say the girl bit Watkins.
KDKA spoke to Watkins' mother, Betty Davis, on the phone Monday night. She said she is happy to hear about the warrant and that Beasley should have thought about what he did before he did it.
She then said, "Let God do what He has to do."
Davis said her daughter has to see a neurologist because she's been having horrible headaches since the attack.
Watkin's husband said that he's forgiven the couple for their alleged actions, but does plan on pursing the case in court.
Burke said Beasley will be turning himself in by noon on Tuesday at City Court.
