Joni Holbrook's attorney released her public statement during a press conference in Traverse City.
TRAVERSE CITY -- "We're here today to make a comment on Joni Holbrook's behalf. Simply put it needs to be known that more than one tragedy occurred here. Joni Holbrook is both a victim and a survivor," says Joni Holbrook's attorney, Jesse Williams.
It's this statement that Williams says his client, Joni Holbrook wants the public to know. She's charged with the open murder of killing her husband, State Police Sergeant, Melvin Holbrook.
Although he wouldn't comment on details of her defense, Williams says Joni Holbrook suffered a great deal of abuse throughout her marriage.
"She's a victim of physical, mental and sexual abuse," says Williams.
"The night that she did kill her husband did something lead up to this violent act?" asks 7&4 News.
"I made a comment already that for a period of greater than 10 years she's endured an overwhelming amount of abuse," says Williams.
"As far as saying she's a 'victim and a survivor' is that saying that's why she committed this crime?" asks 7&4 News.
"It's giving a statement for what lead up to this event," says Williams.
Williams says there is also a private investigation taking place on his client's behalf.
"We began our own investigation on Joni's behalf. Our investigation encompasses private investigators, forensic specialists, medical specialists, psychiatric specialists," says Williams.
Meanwhile, the Benzie County Sheriff's Office continues to invest the murder and State Police are now assisting in those efforts.
State Police would not comment on assisting Benzie County but they did say that one State Police officer is being assigned to the investigation.
