Man accused of beating his roommate with baseball bat

FLORENCE - A local man has been charged with domestic violence after being accused of beating his roommate with an aluminum baseball bat.

Terry Eugene Williams, 45, 422 E. Alabama St., Florence, was arrested Tuesday morning after being questioned about an argument with his roommate.

Florence police said the disagreement was reportedly about money Williams owed his roommate.

Williams is charged with domestic violence first-degree assault.

Detective Jerry Pearson said the charge involved domestic violence because Williams and the victim were roommates.

Williams is accused of attacking his 56-year-old roommate and beating him to the point where the man needed medical treatment at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital.

"Apparently, they got into an argument over money, and that led to the physical altercation," Pearson said.

The victim was struck with the baseball bat numerous times, leaving noticeable cuts and bruises all over his body. Authorities said large bruises left by the baseball bat were visible on the victim's back, stomach and arm.

Police said the victim sustained a large gash over his right eye and fractures to his face. He also had multiple bruises and abrasions to his back, chest, stomach and arms.

Authorities said Williams denied assaulting his roommate, claiming the victim's injuries were the result of a fall.

Police said Williams and the victim have been roommates for just more than a month.

Williams is being held in the Lauderdale County Detention Center on bail of $10,000.

Domestic violence first-degree assault is a Class A felony punishable by 10 years to life in prison.

Tom Smith can be reached at 740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.