State of West Virginia v. Michael L. Blickenstaff

Justice Ketchum:

The Defendant, Michael Blickenstaff, was indicted for kidnapping his ex-girlfriend, Nicole M., after he allegedly drove her around for five hours at knifepoint. Nicole M. did not physically resist the kidnapping.

The State argued at trial that Nicole M. did not physically resist because she feared Mr. Blickenstaff after he subjected her to domestic violence during' their previous relationship; It presented expert witness testimony that domestic violence victims are often more compliant with their abusers out of fear. The State also introduced into evidence Mr. Blickenstaff s…