Domestic disputes happen on a daily basis. In most cases, domestic disputes may involve shouting and arguing, but mild disputes often don't involve physical abuse. Not all domestic disputes are nonviolent, however, and not all end well. Sadly, some disputes escalate into domestic violence and may result in the arrest of one or more persons involved on domestic violence charges.

Recently, a woman in Seattle has been charged with murdering her boyfriend during a domestic dispute. According to King County prosecutors, the woman killed her boyfriend in his apartment by stabbing him in the chest, causing his immediate death. Charging documents state that it wasn't the first time the 31-year-old woman had stabbed her boyfriend. The woman reportedly told police that she picked up the knife to show her boyfriend that she was serious about the argument.

The couple had allegedly been drinking and arguing for a good part of the evening before returning to the apartment, where the dispute continued. The documents go on to state that the woman's boyfriend grabbed her by the shirt, and she stabbed him in the chest, piercing his heart and lung.

The 31-year-old was arrested at the scene and later confessed to killing her boyfriend. The woman was charged with second-degree murder and held on $1 million bail.

Domestic violence is a serious problem that often has tragic outcomes for the individuals involved. In some cases, however, what seems like domestic violence may be something else. If a person feels threatened by someone they have a relationship, they may act violently in order to protect themselves from harm. As authorities begin to investigate this situation, the circumstances surrounding the man's death may become clearer. In the meantime, being charged with domestic violence charges can have serious consequences, and those facing such charges may find it beneficial to speak to an experienced attorney.

Source: Seattle Post-Intelligencer, "Seattle woman charged in boyfriend's slaying," Levi Pulkkinen, Dec. 31, 2012