Records show nature of Brabo divorce

ROCKFORD, Mich. (WOOD) - How did a Wyoming couple's 33-year marriage go from divorce to attempted murder?

Court records reviewed by 24 Hour News 8 provide little indication Marshall Brabo's wife's actions in the divorce would lead to violence.  

Brabo, 65, remains in the Kent County jail on a $1 million bond after being charged Monday with the attempted murder of his estranged wife.

Investigators said the incident occurred while he was eating dinner with his estranged wife at the Courtland Township home where he had been staying. In her words, "everything appeared to be normal" until he began questioning her about the divorce.

Court records show Brabo then told his estranged wife, "I want you to know that we are going to die tonight."

That is when investigators say he began beating her with a crowbar, a wrench and a dresser drawer. She survived by playing dead until he fell asleep after taking sleeping pills in an apparent suicide attempt. That is when she escaped.

Brabo's wife filed for the divorce, citing a breakdown in the marriage last fall, according to divorce records. While Brabo didn't want the divorce, he did not make any threats, at least according to court records.

The main point of contention between the two seemed to be a default judgment against Brabo. A default judgment essentially constitutes a legal forfeiture of a person who fails to take action in a lawsuit.

Brabo was supposed to submit paperwork about real estate assets as part of the divorce proceedings. He didn't and the court issued the judgment in favor of his wife.
 
Barbo's attorney's argument against the judgment included in divorce records may provide a clue to why he apparently snapped.

The attorney argued Brabo didn't understand the paperwork because he has bipolar disorder and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. But a court referee ruled against Brabo and ordered the default.

Brabo is expected to be back in court on March 4.