Halverson bail hearing moved to Wednesday

By Mary Manning

Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008 | 5:54 p.m.

After a scheduled hearing today before Judge Karen Bennett-Haron for Edward Halverson, accused of beating his wife, embattled Judge Elizabeth Halverson, with a frying pan, the judge bowed out.

Judge Bennett-Haron told the court that she would excuse herself from the case because she had been subpoenaed by Halverson during her disciplinary hearing.

Judge Halverson faced a disciplinary hearing in August on charges of misconduct. After her husband allegedly attacked her at their home in southeastern Las Vegas, the justice system is trying to find a judge without judicial ties to Elizabeth Halverson to hear the case.

Bennett-Haron said that she felt it would be a conflict to hear a case involving Halverson's husband.

Edward Halverson is scheduled to appear Wednesday morning before Chief Judge Doug Smith to discuss possible bail. Smith could agree to try the case himself or pass it on to a temporary judge from northern Nevada without ties to Elizabeth Halverson.

Judge Halverson called 911 on Thursday night after police said that she was attacked by her husband. Officers found Edward Halverson shirtless and wearing camouflage shorts. He had blood on the shorts, his hands and smears on his back.

Police searched the house and discovered Judge Halverson in the master bedroom bleeding from severe wounds to her head, chest and right eye. Part of her scalp had been detached from her head, the police report said.

She was taken to Sunrise Hospital and underwent surgery on Friday. She is still hospitalized and in severe pain.