A woman was reportedly beaten in the head by a log during a camping trip in Swan Valley, Idaho.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Kathy Strom, 49, tried to attack the victim using a roasting stick.
Two women were camping at Falls Campground in Swan Valley with their families. After the camp host called dispatch, a Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded at 5:52 p.m.
According to the host, they witnessed two women and one father struggling with their children.
A deputy approached the group, and a man pointed at Strom. He said that Strom had attacked another woman, who had since left camp. Strom was said to be heavily intoxicated by the man.
A 12-year-old girl informed the deputy that Strom had been drinking alcohol throughout the day. She claimed that Strom hit the victim in the head with a log and then tried to hit her with the roasting stick for marshmallows. She claimed that one of the men arrived at the campsite in a trailer and intervened to stop Strom from hitting the victim.
The victim, who was accompanied by the man who intervened, returned to camp and stated that she had decided to return after seeing the involvement of the police. She repeated the story of others to the deputy that Strom had struck her in her head with a log and then attacked her with a marshmallow stick, fire-poking sticks, and a log. As a defense, she said that she had thrown milk and cereal at Strom.
The deputy noticed several cuts on the victim’s head.
The man who intervened confirmed the victim’s story to authorities. He claimed he wasn’t sure where Strom found liquor and got drunk because they hadn’t brought any drinks to the trip. Both the little girl and the victim claimed Strom stole the alcohol.
In the affidavit, the deputy stated that Strom could not explain her actions because of her intoxication. Although she admitted hitting the victim with a stick, she said she had already thrown cereal at her first.
Strom was charged with aggravated battery and could spend up to 15 years in prison. After posting a $15,000 bond, she was released from prison. Between her and the victim, a no-contact order was issued.
A preliminary hearing is set for August 11, at Bonneville County Court, at 1:30 pm.
