West Virginia

The plaintiff was a respiratory therapist for DeFeliceCare, Inc., where her supervisor told her to come into work the weekend prior to starting her vacation. When she entered, she witnessed her supervisor and another employee undressed and “in a compromising position.” Her supervisor then threatened her with the loss of employment and her respiratory therapy license if she shared what she had witnessed. She promised to remain silent, and shortly thereafter went on vacation.

The defendant shot and killed her husband after a night of “domestic terror.” She claimed that she acted in self-defense; however, the State argued that she unreasonably used deadly force and that she could have retreated from the danger. She was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole.

Mechling was convicted of misdemeanor domestic battery against his girlfriend. On appeal, it was argued that the lower court wrongfully allowed the admission of the victim’s statements regarding alleged battery. The State determined that Mechling was guilty of domestic battery through the testimony of others who heard the victim report the abuse, but she did not appear in court or testify at trial; therefore, there was no opportunity to cross-examine her.

In 2007, Thomas (petitioner) and Morris (defendant) ended their twelve-year relationship. One year later, Morris began to make efforts to renew the relationship, and started harassing Thomas with numerous phone calls, leaving voicemail messages on her home and work phone, and making unannounced visits to her workplace and home. In June of 2008, Morris arrived at her residence and did not leave the premises for approximately two hours. During that time, he banged a three-foot metal bar against her trailer, and she felt trapped in her home. Thomas was aware that Morris rou