Cape man accused of attacking pregnant girlfriend

A Cape Girardeau man is in custody after police said he assaulted his pregnant girlfriend Sunday night and Monday morning.

The victim told police she and Cory R. Lacy, 31, had argued about midnight Sunday. According to a probable-cause statement filed in the case, Lacy poked the victim in the head during the argument and told her he “wanted to stab her to death.”

The argument escalated until Lacy pushed the victim, who is pregnant with Lacy’s child, onto the bed, climbed on top of her and covered her mouth with his hands, the statement said.

The victim told police she had difficulty breathing while Lacy’s hand was over her mouth, and he began striking her in the side of the head, causing her ear to bleed.

The victim told police when she tried to leave after the assault, Lacy prevented her from doing so, making her feel “trapped and unable to leave.”

The couple had an ultrasound appointment the next morning, but when they awakened, Lacy began arguing with her again and punching her in the leg, according to the statement.

She told police Lacy prevented her from going to her ultrasound appointment but allowed her to leave the apartment about 11:30 a.m. Monday.

The officer who recorded the probable-cause statement observed bruising on the victim’s face, arms, right leg, ear and behind her ear, as well as scratches on her face and forearm.

Police interviewed Lacy on Tuesday, during which he admitted to pinning the victim and covering her mouth Sunday night and Monday morning, but he denied striking her and threatening to stab her.

Lacy’s bond is set at $10,000 cash or surety, and he is prohibited from contacting the victim directly or indirectly.

tgraef@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3627