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Police: Woman beat woman with railroad spike in Las Vegas

Posted at 5:50 PM, Jun 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-06-12 02:42:57-04

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Las Vegas police say a woman was brought into custody after she beat another woman in the head with a railroad spike days after meeting at a domestic violence shelter.

30-year-old Jenifer Padilla is accused by police of attacking the woman at an apartment complex near Twain Avenue and Valley View Boulevard on May 17.

The two women are former clients of The Shade Tree, an organization that provides shelter to homeless and abused women and children in crisis.

According to the arrest report, the victim told detectives she was was strangled in a domestic violence attack only four days earlier. Fearing for her safety, she tried to stay with family but they didn't have room for her.

She says she was able to find a place to stay at The Shade Tree.

While at the shelter, Padilla told the victim she could live with her.

The victim says she trusted Padilla since she was also a victim of domestic violence.

Once at the apartment, things took a sharp turn.

Padilla confessed that she found the victim sexually attractive and began making moves on her.

The victim turned down her advances and at some point Padilla became angry and told her to leave the apartment, investigators say.

The victim began moving her items out, but Padilla became mad that she wasn't moving "fast enough."

Padilla then grabbed the victim's hair with her left hand and began striking her in the head with the railroad spike, according to police.

In a statement from The Shade Tree, they say they are cooperating with the investigation.

This unfortunate incident involving two former clients of The Shade Tree shelter is not consistent with nor reflective of our mission – to provide safe shelter to women and children in crisis.

The incident, which did not occur on our property, nor under our watch, reminds us to remain ever vigilant in spotting possible predatory behaviors. The Shade Tree pledges its full cooperation with Metro as it investigates this incident, and as always, client safety remains our top priority. Our doors are always open – 24/7 - to women and children in crisis, and we will continue to meet the needs of our clients with conviction, compassion and care.

Padilla faces charges of Battery with the Use of a Deadly Weapon Resulting in Substantial Harm, Attempted Murder with use of a Deadly Weapon, Battery with Intent to Kill, and Open or Gross Lewdness in the Presence of a Child or Vulnerable Person.