On Thursday, April 4, 2024, 42-year-old John Peter Stevens and the female victim were involved in an incident where Stevens became angry at the victim. He walked off his job site, and his boss called the victim. The defendant then took the victim’s phone, threw it on the ground, and demanded she go to the bedroom of the apartment located at 1102 Missouri Avenue S in Clearwater. The defendant repeatedly struck the victim about the head, collarbone, and torso, causing multiple visible injuries.
According to court documents, Stevens repeatedly struck her with his fists after forcing her into a bedroom. The victim attempted to leave the bedroom while Stevens was conducting a “ritual” with a metal “katana” style sword with a red handle in the living room. Stevens charged at the victim with the sword’s tip, causing her to fall backward, and threatened to harm her if she didn’t comply.
The victim was able to crawl back to the bedroom but was repeatedly struck by the defendant throughout the night, resulting in multiple injuries consistent with her statement. The victim eventually contacted a friend on Saturday, April 6, 2024, who summoned law enforcement, leading to the Stevens arrest. He denied the physical altercation but admitted to being with the victim during that time with no one else present.
After being read his Miranda rights, the defendant denied any physical altercation occurred and stated that their relationship had no problems.
The defendant was previously convicted of domestic battery on September 8, 2021. and on felony probation until September 2025.
When officers entered the home, they saw 29 live 9mm rounds on a dresser inside the front door. He stated that they belonged to an old gun that he recently got rid of.
He was arrested on charges of aggravated assault, felony domestic battery, false imprisonment, and felon in possession of ammunition.