Waco, TX – A Bellmead man was arrested on Christmas Eve after allegedly assaulting his wife with her walking cane during a violent altercation. William Lester Beard, 59, is facing a first-degree felony charge of aggravated assault with a weapon, causing serious bodily injury.
The incident began over a phone dispute that escalated into physical violence, according to an arrest affidavit. Beard reportedly became angry when his wife’s phone notification went off early on Sunday or Monday. When he attempted to grab her phone, the woman bit him, which led to him retaliating physically, the affidavit states. Beard admitted to slapping and striking his wife in the face during the confrontation.
The violence then escalated when Beard allegedly used his wife’s black foldable walking cane, which has a T-handle, to strike her repeatedly on her face and body. The victim also reported that Beard punched her with a closed fist during the altercation.
When officers arrived, they found the victim with extensive injuries, including cuts and bruises on her face, a large dark bruise on her abdomen, and additional bruising from her elbow to her shoulder. The woman also suffered broken teeth and knots on her head. According to police, the injuries were severe and consistent with serious bodily harm. Beard called the Bellmead Police Department from a Walmart store located on North Interstate 35, where he admitted to the assault and even requested assistance for his anger issues.
He was arrested and transported to McLennan County Jail, where he remains in custody. Beard’s bond has been set at $25,000. The Bellmead Police Department continues to investigate the incident. Beard faces serious charges for the assault on a family or household member, and further details will be released as the investigation unfolds.
