Man pleads guilty to battery; victim in court asks to maintain contact with defendant

DeMarcio (Demarcio) Purcell pleaded guilty to simple battery in a case in which the victim — identified in court as Nora Torres — was present and told the judge she wanted contact with Purcell. Judge Tammy Long Hayward accepted the plea and ordered a mix of custodial and programmatic sanctions with conditions intended to reduce future domestic incidents.

The prosecutor described the factual basis: on March 14, 2025, officers responded to 7062 Vesta Way in Jonesboro and found Purcell had argued with the victim, bit her, attempted to choke her, and, after being forced out of the car, smashed her windshield. The state recommended 12 months with 24 days to serve on count 1, with the balance probated, participation in anger-management or family-violence programming, and a prohibition on violent or harassing contact with the victim. Count 3, related to property damage, was recommended as a consecutive 12-month suspended sentence.

During the hearing, the prosecutor noted the victim was present and requested contact; the victim told the court she and Purcell had known each other since childhood, lived together and identified as married, and that they were both intoxicated during the incident. Judge Hayward expressed concern about trust and repeated alcohol-fueled conflicts and imposed a program requirement tailored to family violence. She substituted the probation office’s suggested anger-management requirement with the court’s preferred program: the Family Violence Intervention Program (FVIP), a 24-week class. The judge’s sentence on count 1 was 12 months with 24 days to serve, credit for time served, balance probated conditioned on completing FVIP and having no violent or harassing contact with Nora Torres; count 3 was suspended for 12 months provided Purcell completes conditions. The judge also noted that count 2 would merge into count 1.

The judge admonished both parties to assess their relationship and whether counseling or separation would better protect them and any future children. Defense counsel placed the plea on the record and the court accepted the negotiated disposition.