Elmer J. Bailey v. State of Indiana

MASSA, Justice.

When a husband shoves his wife and pokes her in the forehead repeatedly, causing her pain, is that pain alone sufficient evidence to prove the “bodily injury” element of the husband’s conviction for domestic battery? One panel of the Indiana Court of Appeals thought not, but we disagree.

Facts and Procedural History

In 2011, Elmer and Farrenquai Bailey had been married for eleven years and in a relationship for another nine years prior to that. On the evening of January 22, 2011, Elmer came home from work and began drinking with Farrenquai. Each consumed about three beers.…