DOTHAN, Ala. – A Cowarts man accused of violently attacking his estranged wife with a claw hammer has been denied bond, according to a ruling from a Houston County judge.
Latarius Dale, 33, faces a charge of domestic violence in the first degree following the incident, which took place in the early hours of January 6. Judge Benjamin Lewis issued the order denying bond on Tuesday, January 11, citing the severity of the alleged attack and recent violent behavior by Dale.
According to authorities, Dale broke into his wife’s home in Lovetown around midnight, armed with a claw hammer. The victim, who was in her bedroom watching television at the time, was reportedly struck multiple times in the face, back of the head, and chest before losing consciousness.
Sheriff Donald Valenza confirmed that the victim was able to identify Dale as her attacker. A witness also testified about a recent escalation in Dale’s violent behavior toward his wife. Court records show the victim had filed for a protection order against Dale shortly after the attack, though she was unable to do so herself due to the severity of her injuries. The order was filed with the help of a third party.
The sheriff’s office further reported that after the assault, Dale fled the scene but crashed his car on Cowarts Road about an hour later. He was taken to Southeast Health for medical treatment and was later arrested after being released from the hospital.
Dale has a history of prior domestic violence charges. In 2023, he was arrested and charged with domestic violence in the third degree. However, that case was dismissed after the victim allegedly failed to cooperate with prosecutors.
Authorities have emphasized the seriousness of the current charges against Dale, citing the victim’s injuries and his apparent history of abusive behavior. Dale remains behind bars as the case proceeds.
